We are delighted to announce that Cogent Skills Apprenticeships has officially become the first SIAS Approved Centre, marking a significant early milestone, and following quickly on from the launch of SIAS as a full Awarding Organisation on 25 September.
Steve Smith, Managing Director of SIAS, expressed his excitement about this achievement: “We are thrilled that Cogent Skills Apprenticeships has officially become our first SIAS Approved Centre so quickly after our official launch as a full Awarding Organisation last month. This is a major milestone for both organisations and reflects our shared commitment to setting high standards across training, qualification provision and awarding for STEM Industries.
“Whilst this is the first of many new SIAS Approved Centre announcements we will be making before Christmas, it is special given our alignment as part of the Cogent Skills Group family. I’m feeling very positive about the fantastic partnership that is building between both organisations, particularly since James has come in to lead that business, and we look forward to seeing the first learners get registered and embark on their journey through industry leading SIAS qualifications.”
James McIntosh, Managing Director of Cogent Skills Apprenticeships, shared his enthusiasm: “I am delighted that we are the first approved provider as part of the SIAS Awarding Organisation approved centre process. The qualifications on offer in our sector were long overdue a revamp so we welcome the SIAS approach to collaborate with training providers and employers to create modernised, fit for industry qualifications that are mapped to knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship standards we deliver.
“I genuinely believe that SIAS will positively disrupt the qualification market as they have the end point assessment market, and we look forward to working closely with Steve and the team on that journey. Huge credit goes to the apprenticeship team for leading on this work and pulling everything together so quickly to ensure we were the first provider through the process. As the Awarding Organisation grows over the coming years, to say that we are the first provider to be approved will be something we can be extremely proud of.”
The approval of Cogent Skills Apprenticeships came after a rigorous review process, ensuring the right resources and procedures were in place to consistently and effectively deliver SIAS qualifications or approved programmes. This achievement highlights the ongoing synergy between SIAS and Cogent Skills Apprenticeship Training, as they work together to advance the skills and qualifications landscape in the science and technology industries.