Derby-based AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group merges with Open College Network West Midlands.

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 1 September 2022

UPDATED: 1 September 2022

The two long-established awarding bodies develop qualifications, and award certificates to learners in schools, colleges, training providers and centres across the UK.

Between them, the two organisations have over forty years’ experience of developing regulated high-quality qualifications for the education and training sector, and more recently recognised as a specialist in the delivery of end-point assessments for apprentices on creative, cultural and professional services standards.

The two organisations, both based in the Midlands, merged on the 1st September and now operate under the AIM Group name. The merger means that colleges, centres and training providers will have access to a much wider range of regulated qualifications for their learners, and employers will have an expanded network of support when looking for an end-point assessment organisation for their apprentices.

Ethos and values

The merger was led by designate CEO Kevern Kerswell, a staunch supporter of lifelong learning. Kevern, who has built his career in education and training over the past 25 years, said, “this is a merger of two closely aligned organisations who share the same ethos and hold similar values and philosophies on furthering education”. He is a firm believer in the role that learning can play in delivering social justice and says he will “prioritises the development of qualifications, apprenticeships and other services that benefit learners and tackle inequality”.

Quality endorsements for bespoke training

As well as developing regulated qualifications, the unified organisation provides a national quality kitemark  - which endorses an organisation’s own internal training and development programmes and systems. Ideal for companies who are developing courses and training programmes tailored to meet the needs of their employees or customer.

Next steps

The new organisation will continue to operate from sites in Wolverhampton and Derby. Kevern added “the merger brings together two highly successful organisations who are very positive about their ability to bring even more knowledge and resources to customers. We look forward to continuing our work with all our existing customers and to welcoming new ones”.

For more information visit www.aimgroup.org.uk or email marketing@aimgroup.org.uk

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