From refugee camp to university: one woman's inspiring story

At AIM, we believe great outcomes happen when we build them with you, not in isolation. Collaboration sits at the heart of our qualification and standards strategy, and it will guide everything we do as the new Apprenticeship Regulatory Framework takes shape.

The analysis of the Final Award Board data from 2024-25 has identified the positive impact the Access to HE Diploma is having for learners who completed and achieved the full Diploma. A total of 3149 full Access to HE Diplomas across 57 Diplomas have been awarded and included learners who had been on programme for over a year on part time courses. 56% of grades awarded to full achievers were distinctions, 31% merits, and 13% passes.

On Monday 20th October, the sector received the long awaited Government Whitepaper on Post 16 Education and Skills. There was a lot to take in, some of which we’re sure would have caused concern amongst many. However, there were also some encouraging announcements.

Overworld AMP have created a truly vibrant learning environment where learners can develop their skills in creative subjects alongside core skills in IT, digital, and construction.

AIM are pleased to announce that we have completed the release of Access to HE Diploma results to UCAS for 2025.

We are pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 14th annual Brian May Access to HE Learner Awards.

Small updates have been made to our fees.

Our short free interactive eLearning module for June, ’Find Your Healthier You!’, will promote healthier living to your learners and staff.

Elizabeth Histed’s path to academic success has been anything but conventional. Having faced significant challenges throughout her early years, Elizabeth’s journey to higher education is a story of resilience, determination, and the power of learning.

From 1st August 2025, we’re making a few changes to our pricing. Nothing drastic – just a few tweaks to help us keep up with rising costs while still offering great value and the service you expect from us.

Presented by Kevern Kerswell, Group CEO of AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, the awards celebrate the perseverance, commitment, and academic excellence of Access to HE students across England and Wales.

We are now taking expressions of interest from AIM centres for the above qualification that has been approved by IFATE and Ofqual for delivery from September 2025.

Leading national training provider, With-you Consultancy Ltd, have been crowned AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group’s (AIM) 2024 Quality Mark Centre of the Year for their transformative Peer Support and Supervision training, that is quality assured by AIM.

In support of Safer Internet Day, we have partnered with Capital Tutorials to bring your learners another free eLearning module to help them stay safe ahead of the digital curve.

Updates for centres on the Post 16 qualification reform and qualification review.

Independent Alternative Provision, Overworld AMP Ltd, has been unveiled as AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group’s (AIM) Recognised Centre of the Year award winners for 2024.

We are pleased to launch our 2023-24 Impact Report, celebrating the transformative impact we have had on individuals, communities, and businesses.

On International Migrants Day, the inspiring story of Nahily Getu highlights the transformative power of education and the role of Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas in providing pathways to success.

Small Steps Big Changes has been named the 2024 Bespoke Accreditation Centre/Employer of the Year by AIM for their innovative bespoke training programmes

Production Technicians are the unsung heroes of the creative industries. Their roles are diverse yet crucial and they are often found working behind the scenes of events and productions to bring creative visions to life.

AIM is the largest Access Validating Agency (AVA) in the sector, with 11,295 registered students on programmes during the 2022-2023 academic year.

AIM is building on its established global partnerships by forming new connections in Shanghai, China.

Students, educators, and distinguished guests gathered at the Library of Birmingham for the Access to HE Celebration, an event hosted by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group to honour excellence and resilience in Access to Higher Education (HE).

Recognising excellence in qualification development, assessment design, and educational innovation.

Matt Evans appointed to AIM’s Senior Leadership Team.

AIM has successfully passed the Cyber Essentials review for 2024, earning our certificate of assurance for the year ahead.

We’re gearing up for a spectacular awards evening dedicated to celebrating all that is Access to Higher Education!

Discover the skills and careers that power the UK transport and logistics industry.

New technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, along with changing consumer habits mean publishers need to adapt quickly in an appropriate, effective and realistic way. Bringing a Publishing Professional apprentice on board, or supporting a current employee to join the apprenticeship scheme, could be a great way to ensure this is possible.

Group CEO, Kevern Kerswell welcomes new and returning centres for the new academic year.

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group has earned the prestigious RACE Equality Code 2020 Quality Mark, highlighting its dedication to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across the organisation.

AIMs Director of Qualifications and Assessment Services shares her perspective of a new dawn for skills development following the recent announcement of Skills England.

Kickstart this academic year with an expertly written interactive eLearning course on Environmental Sustainability FREE-OF-CHARGE.

The partnership aims to develop accredited training programs that will help learners of all ages and contexts better understand sustainability and how they can support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We are pleased to announce that we have completed the release of Access to HE Diploma results to UCAS for 2024. Here’s what’s happening next.

AIM are finalists in two categories in this year’s FAB Awards!

Cocooning has become especially popular in recent times. This blog looks at its relation to interior design.

Effective project management is at the heart of successful businesses.

Keep your students learning during the summer break, so they are engaged and well prepared for the next academic year with Capital Tutorials and the LearningPlus online platform.

Find out how AIM is working with the NHS to validate their training courses.

We’re proud to announce we have been granted an Accreditation License by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) to deliver the Award in Understanding Domestic Retrofit qualification in Scotland.

Thanks to new flexibilities in the government’s Adult Skills Fund (ASF) for 2024-2025, non-regulated, tailored learning provision like AIM’s Bespoke offer now qualify for Adult Skills funding.

Pam Stanway, AIM’s Access to HE Manager shares her thoughts about the changing face of Access to HE Diplomas.

AIM has signed the Social Recruitment Covenant to pledge its commitment to increasing the role of social value across our organisation’s recruitment and employment practices.

We look at the impact of AI on the photography sector, the challenges photographers are facing and the future of AI-powered photography.

Kim Underhill, Head of Qualifications and Assessment Development, looks at the demand for qualified SEND support in education.

For organisations using, or wanting to create, specialised training programs tailored to their unique needs, AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group offers a cutting-edge Bespoke Accreditation service.

Kevern Kerswell, Group CEO of AIM Qualification and Assessment speaks candidly about the learner centred assessment.

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group has been awarded a significant grant from Qualifications Wales to make high demand qualifications available in Welsh. AIM yn sicrhau grant gan Cymwysterau Cymru i ehangu cymwysterau cyfrwng Cymraeg.

New eassessorpro brings benefits to AIM centres delivering new blended learning Access to HE Diplomas.

AIM understands the challenges associated with retrofitting millions of UK homes and we have a solution for changing this dynamic and bridging the skills gap through our suite of retrofit qualifications.

The Retrofit Academy – learn the benefits of being a training partner when offering retrofit qualifications.

We asked AIM’s marketing team for their thoughts about the changing role of the marketeer and how the role is evolving to keep pace with the constant emergences of new technologies.

The Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team at AIM are pleased to announce Deputy Chair of the AIM Board, Owen Everton Burke OBE DL FCFE, has been appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands.

We are pleased to announce our corporate membership with the Association of Apprentices.

International Women’s Day is a fantastic opportunity in which to celebrate the achievements of women across the world. The annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made towards gender equality, while highlighting the work that still lies ahead. It is a day dedicated to recognising and honouring the resilience, strength, and accomplishments of women from all walks of life.

Four Access to HE students were awarded prizes for their outstanding dedication to study at an awards event in the House of Commons.

As a college or training provider offering Access to Higher Education Diplomas, your choice of AVA significantly impacts the learning experience you deliver and the overall success of your students.

UCAS has officially added apprenticeship vacancies to its website so that students can consider them as an option alongside degrees.

As a training provider, choosing the right End-Point Assessment Organisation for your apprentices is one of your biggest decisions. Here’s our tips on what to look for in an EPAO.

Looking at our personal experiences of employing apprentices and the valuable experience and insights gained that help us develop our EPA activities.

It all starts with skills’ is the new Skills for Life campaign launched by the Department for Education aiming to motivate young people and more.

In the ever-evolving business landscape, huge benefits are being felt by employing business administration apprenticeships.

We are delighted to announce a double success at last night’s FAB Awards, hosted by the Federation of Awarding Bodies.

“Peeple” use the AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group customised accreditation to support parents/carers and children to improve children’s outcomes.

AIM recently pledged to join a community of GameChangers to grow and develop the games talent working in the Liverpool City Region (LCR).

AIM releases Impact Report for 2022 – 2023 showcasing their exceptional achievements over the last 12 months.

Outstanding Achievements Celebrated at the AIM Empowering Futures Conference.

Discover the endless benefits an organisation experiences when recruiting public relations and communications personnel.

Harjan Dhanjal, the first apprentice to complete the new production apprenticeship, scored top marks after collaborating with an up-and-coming artist.

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is delighted to be supporting the Inspire! Adult Learners’ Awards in Wales by sponsoring the ‚ ‘Young Adult Learner Award.’ ¬ And what an amazing winner Harley is. Read her inspirational story

We are pleased to announce that AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group is sponsoring the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Apprenticeship Awards 2023.

AIM is pleased to be supporting the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards.

AIM and LearningPlus continue to work together in partnership to develop auto-assessed content to support providers with efficient, relevant, and engaging training.

As valuable customers, we want to ensure that your experience with us remains seamless and efficient. Therefore, we kindly remind you to review and update your centre’s key contacts in our system.

EPA Assessor for the PR and Communications apprencticeship standard, Sarah Colombini, takes us through her day of an EPA assessor.

AIM is pleased to announce completion of a successful awarding summer, with all qualification results processed and successfully submitted to QAA and UCAS ahead of schedule.

Competition launched by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to fund training for people working in the energy efficiency and building retrofit sectors.

Find out more about AIM’s expanded Access to HE Diploma provision.

Fundraising: Sector trends and recruitment.

Marketing and Communications Officer, Jas Jandu, shares her thoughts on the skills and qualities that make a good counsellor amongst students.

We give you the top tips for creating a portfolio ready for your end-point assessment.

Jill Minter considers different options to raise awareness of sustainability with learners without causing eco-anxiety amongst young people.

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group are overjoyed to be announced as finalists for several FAB awards categories.

Coaching has never been more necessary than now and into the future.

Demand in the UK dog grooming market has risen significantly over the last few years with more homeowners adopting dogs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

AIM has recently partnered with a new flexi-job apprenticeship agency, ‚’Power Up Agency’, a Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce project, who are specialists in supporting the creative and cultural sectors.

AIM Assessment has again been shortlisted for ‘Specialist Sector EPAO of the Year Award’ by the Federation of Awarding Bodies.

Apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular route into the events’ industry, with more than 500 Event Assistant apprentices entering the workplace between 2017 and 2021.

Fabienne Bailey, Interim Director for Business Growth and Transformation talks about a new suite of qualifications that will help centres to support learners with the fundamental skills in English, Maths and ICT.

Following the review of post-16 qualifications, the Department for Education (DfE) has started to implement its plan for a new, streamlined qualifications system for students aged 16 and over.‚ There will be two routes for students to choose from.

Taking a stand for a better built environment with retrofit.

Celebrating apprenticeship success at prestigious SCCB awards ceremony.

AIM, in partnership with the Retrofit Academy developed a suite of retrofit qualifications to impact on the training, retrofit professionals require.

Dave Tracey, AIM EPA Assessor for the Assistant Recording Technician apprenticeship standard, gives us his 5 top tips to prepare for Gateway.

Dave Tracey, AIM Assistant Recording Technician EPA Assessor, gives us his tips to prepare for apprenticeship assessments.

The Forest Schools qualifications provide an alternative approach which not only supports educational achievement but provides a wealth of “value added” benefits to support individuals navigate the road back to the new norm.

Every organisation, in every sector, requires somebody to produce content. But what makes good content?

We are pleased to announce that the Level 4 Certificate in Professional Development (Youth Work) is now available for registrations.

Effective SEND provision requires not only a supportive environment but also highly trained staff. Our new Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Teaching Assistants focusing on SEND Diploma can help.

We look at how changes in technology, venues and the pandemic have effected the Past, the Present and the Future of the events industry.

Our End-point Assessment Director, Debbie Tuisawau, explains a bit more about our approach and the teams involved in End-point assessment.

AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group has partnered with the charity Home Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of social housing, health and social care, to help improve the lives of their tenants.

The first Media Production Co-ordinator apprentice, assessed by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group, has successfully completed and passed her end-point assessment (EPA).

It’s Cyber Security Awareness Month and we’re reminding our centres to take some proactive steps to protect themselves and their learners against cyber-crime this season.

As an introduction to the first AIM Newsletter our CEO, Kevern Kerswell, talks about the past, present and future of AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

On 1 September 2022, AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group merged with Open College Network West Midlands and became one awarding organisation, operating under the name AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

On 1 September 2022, AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group and Open College Network West Midlands merged and became one organisation and now operate under the name AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

Our new qualification in Spectator Safety prepares anyone working, as a safety steward for dealing with incidents during live events.

With a new Government green paper highlighting a focus on learners with physical disabilities, we look at how our qualifications give centres more flexibility.

AIM’s Esport Qualifications and Overworld Academy are innovatively offering the qualification to inspire the next generation of esports professionals.

This week is filled with events celebrating music, the music industry and musical events as World Music Day (21 June) lands loud and strong.

The EPA Awards celebrate the achievements of end-point assessment organisations in the past year and AIM’s submission has been recognised for the work it does in the creative and cultural sector.

In this blog we look at what an EPAO is and how an employer can choose to use AIM Assessment as their EPAO.

We take a look at the 5 W’s of ooccupational standards to help you understand how they can help you as an apprentice employer.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week we look at the introduction of flexi-job apprenticeships and their effect on the creative industry.

A recent report published by UCAS in collaboration with Health Education England (HEE) has shown that the COVID-19 Pandemic has been one of the main causes for an increase in student nurse applications.

AIM EPA Assessor, Steve Bray has won the British Independent Film Award for Effects.

Level 3 Certificate in Counselling qualification is the only counselling qualification in the country to have UCAS points.

AIM’s Level 3 Certificate in Counselling qualification is one of only a few in the country with UCAS points so learners can choose to use the qualification towards university entry tariffs.

In this article we talk you through ways that cyber security in education can be ensured and increased.

ScreenSkills, Netflix and WarnerMedia have launched a pilot programme for apprenticeships in the UK’s booming screen industries.

Tracey Cousins, a specialist assessor takes us through a typical day in the life of an end-point assessor.

In our latest blog, Katharine Pearce talks about the world of esports and how AIM Qualifications has worked with centres like Overworld to create an esports qualification to provide the sport with new professionals.

The new module on ‚ ‘blended practice’, will enable learners to develop an understanding of working with clients on-line rather than traditional face to face (in the room) working.

According to a survey for the Social Market Foundation and Further Education Trust for Leadership, more people would prefer their child to take a vocational qualification than attend university.

Recently our Moderation Manager, Sally Howard, sat down virtually with QAA’s Access to HE Manager, Julie Mizon for a Q&A session about her experience with Access to HE and the benefits of the qualification.

Linda Wyatt talks openly about how her experiences of working in a male dominated sector have shaped her thoughts as CEO of AIM Group.

AIM’s L2 and L3 Youth Work qualifications have been updated to include new Level 2 and Level 3 components on tackling loneliness and isolation in young people.

Gabi Brown, End-Point Assessment Delivery Officer, talks about her day at AIM.

Sally Howard, our Moderations Manager, believes in giving people a second chance at education. Here she talks about her experiences of Access to Higher Education diplomas.

Sue Benton says “AIMVOC allows a ‘non-threatening’ approach to learning that builds confidence and skills for every learner”.

The Creative Industries Federation team has today put out a plea for its members to raise awareness of this world-leading sector and to seek continued investment…

Karen Hedger, Business Development Lead (Creative and Cultural), closes National Apprenticeship Week 2021 by considering what an end-point assessment, the culmination of an apprenticeship, actually represents for an apprentice.

How do you ensure that learners who fall outside the national curriculum get good support for their educational and vocational development?

The Support Service is an extensive support package to help schools and colleges with essential additional costs associated with running autumn exams.

QAA have provided an update to AHE providers on changes to their marking system for Access to HE Diploma.

The DfE has published guidance on their Exam Support Service. The arrangements cover Access to HE, GQ and VTQ qualifications.

The Access to HE Diploma (Animal Science) is the latest qualification to be developed by AIM, in conjunction with a number of HEIs. This latest diploma is aimed at students wanting to gain the skills and knowledge to access undergraduate degrees within the animal science industries.

The Federation responds to the announcement of an unprecedented £1.57 billion package to protect UK’s creative industries.

The Creative Industries Federation are calling on government for a Cultural Renewal Fund for those who’ve been hit hardest.

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted businesses in almost every industry this includes young people on events apprenticeships.

The Show Must Go On – Post-Production Apprenticeship Launches Despite Covid-19.

AIM Qualifications’ are proud to announce that our level 2 and 3 certificates in Counselling Skills are now designated by Qualifications Wales.

Amy Smith from Framestore examines the impact of the new qualification.

NSAR has issued an invitation to employers to join the ScreenSkills Apprenticeship Board.

Phil Golding, Employer Partnership Manager at Strategic Development Network (SDN) talks to Delia Antoine Burdett, a PR and Comms professional (and now end-point assessor with AIM Assessment) to find out about her journey.

Sir Gerry Berragan, CEO of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, speaking at the Skills and Employability Forum in London.

QAA has launched Career Coach, an online tool that helps match prospective students with the Access to HE programme that best supports their professional ambitions

Karen Hedger investigates why the price of EPA seem quite high in relation to the funding band.

The Telegraph stated ‘the Department for Education announces funding is to be removed for some vocational qualifications’, but is this fake news?

AIM Awards offers an Access to HE model that is hard to beat

Funded by the Education and Training Foundation, AIM Awards Assessment has been awarded a research grant to consider effective preparation and delivery of the End Point Assessment of the new Apprenticeship Standards Focusing on the creative and cultural industries, employers, providers and apprentices are taking part in this qualitative research.

These AIM qualifications are designed to develop the next generation of talent for the Games, Animation and VFX industries.

We are excited to announce that AIMVOCs in Transport and Logistics qualifications will be available from 1st August 2018 and may be eligible for public funding.

AIM Awards Student Wins Prestigious Award at Westminster.

We have compiled a list of useful FAQs on the RQF Transfer of AIM Awards Qualifications.

New pathways available in Digital Careers, Games Design and Screen and Media Production.

A pen portrait of our Conference Keynote Speaker Gina Jackson.

Overview of the AEB and the changes for 2016/17.

We are pleased to announce that the AIM Awards Level 3 Extended Diploma in Games, Animation and VFX Skills (QCF) qualification has been approved by UCAS to carry admission points to support university applications.

David Cameron recently announced plans to reform prisons.

Unlike some Awarding Organisations, we have no restrictions on placements in the children and young people sector.

We are pleased to announce the launch of the AIM Awards Level 2 Award in Bio-Hazards Cleaning qualification!

AIM Awards is thrilled to announce the launch of our new bespoke online system Gradetraka.

NextGen Skills Academy’s first qualification in Games, Animation and VFX Skills being taught in colleges now.

We love to hear from providers running AIM Awards qualifications and NESCOT recently sent us the following message.

AIM Awards is delighted to announce that in our recent QAA review of our Access to HE Licence provision, we have been rated low risk.

Sift, one of the largest digital agencies in Bristol, have launched a web development apprenticeship scheme to tackle a severe shortage of candidates for technical roles.

Please find all of the presentations for the AIM Awards Annual Conference 2015 below.

International Medical Education (IMEUK) has been granted the Ofqual recognised, Level 3 qualification for the Diploma in Medical Studies through AIM Awards.

Employability Programme Design: How to choose your funded units

We are pleased to announce that the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has approved the following AIM Awards qualifications for adult funding for the academic year 2015/16

The Skills Funding Agency (SFA) has now published the catalogue spreadsheet detailing those qualifications which are funded for 2015/16 for learners aged 19+.

The Keith Fletcher Memorial National Access Prize was created after the tragic passing of Mr Fletcher, formerly the Director of OCN South West Region and a great supporter of Access to Higher Education.

The Beehive, part of Northgate School Arts College in Northampton, is a post-16 school catering for learners with Special Educational Needs. It is home to real-life work environments that are open to the general public including a café and shop, an animal rehoming centre, a craft workshop and a wellbeing centre.

AIM Awards is pleased to welcome Anglia Greater China as a new international centre for the full range of our ESOL International qualifications.

AIM Awards is thrilled to announce the launch of our new bespoke online system Gradetraka.

AIM  is pleased to welcome the Anglia Ibero-American Network as a new international centre for the full range of our ESOL International qualifications.