Certify: EAL’s new digital certification solution

At EAL, we constantly strive to provide service excellence and support to educators, training providers, employers and engineers by placing them at the heart of everything we do. For that reason, we are pleased to announce the launch of our new Certify platform, which allows centres, learners and employers to access digital certificates easily and securely at any time, on any device. 

Certify is designed to streamline the certification process, and address common industry challenges, such as digital security, meeting regulatory requirements, and potential fraudulent activity. It builds on the strengths of our current digital certification process, which our customers rated 9/10 for effectiveness in our recent Customer Satisfaction Survey. It allows:  

• Centres to view pending records, see completed print jobs, manage learner notifications and order printed documents  
• Learners to view electronic award and confirmation of study documents; order printed copies of certificates, transcripts and confirmation of study documents; and share electronic documents with third parties. 
• Third parties, such as employers, to send requests to connect to students, who will be notified by email, and view documents shared with you by students. 

The launch of Certify comes at a crucial time for the engineering, manufacturing, and building services engineering skills sector. Industries are experiencing rapid technological advancements, regulatory changes, and an increasing demand for skilled professionals. These dynamics create a pressing need for efficient and reliable certification processes to ensure workforce competency and compliance.  

At a time when the UK labour market has more roles available than skilled workers, ensuring a “deeper engagement between government, employers, and the education system to produce a talent pipeline that can sustain a thriving UK economy,”¹ is more important than ever. Verifying the authenticity of paper certifications can be problematic; employers may struggle to quickly and efficiently verify the legitimacy of qualifications, which can delay the hiring process, impact the deployment of skilled workers, and maintain high standards of skills and safety.  

Geographic differences also play a part in the complications of paper certification. There is a “mechanical and electrical focus in the south and midlands. Scotland has a very high degree of specialisation in environment, energy and earth occupations, whereas skilled trades, industrial and general operative roles are most specialised to Northern England, Wales and Northern Ireland.”² This variation adds complexity to managing and verifying certifications across different areas​. Having a digital centralised system will help mitigate many of these complexities.  

Certify is designed to address these challenges head-on, offering a streamlined, user-friendly platform that simplifies certification management for learners, training centres, and employers, optimising the talent pipeline and ensuring skilled workers reach their full potential, faster. 

Simplified certification process 

Certify supports the entire certification lifecycle. This ensures an easier journey for learners to apply for, obtain, and renew their certifications. The platform also delivers a smoother and more efficient user experience, reducing administrative workload by simplifying data access for all users. The streamlined access to information allows users to independently retrieve the data they need without unnecessary delays or complications, thereby enhancing overall productivity. 

Certify is more than just a certification management tool; it is a solution designed to support workforce competency and development, aiming to close the skills gap. By providing a streamlined and efficient certification process, Certify helps ensure that learners have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles. This, in turn, supports organisational goals and drives industry progress. 

Enhancing compliance and quality 

In industries where compliance and quality are paramount, Certify provides a reliable solution for maintaining high standards. The platform's robust digital security and real-time tracking capabilities ensure that certifications are valid, up-to-date, and reflective of current industry requirements. This helps organisations avoid compliance issues and ensures that their workforce is equipped to meet regulatory standards. 

Certify places a strong emphasis on data security. Utilising blockchain technology, we ensure that sensitive information remains protected throughout the certification journey. This mitigates the risk of fraudulent activities and provides peace of mind to all users, safeguarding the integrity of the certification process. 

Commitment to sustainability 

In alignment with the UK’s ambitious sustainability efforts, Certify supports centres in reducing their carbon footprint. By adopting a digital-first approach to certification, we significantly reduce paper usage, contributing to environmental conservation. This not only reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility but also helps centres align with their own sustainability objectives. 

Future-proofing certification  

As the engineering and manufacturing sectors continue to evolve, the need for adaptive and forward-thinking solutions becomes increasingly important. Certify is designed with the future in mind, offering a scalable platform that can grow and adapt to changing industry needs. By investing in Certify, training centres and employers can future-proof their certification processes while maintaining the high standards demanded of them.  

The launch of Certify marks a significant milestone for EAL. This innovative certification solution addresses key industry challenges, supports workforce competency, and enhances compliance and quality. By providing a streamlined, accessible, and comprehensive platform, Certify ensures that learners and organisations are well-equipped to meet current and future certification needs. 

All centres will automatically have an account and learners will have the opportunity to register when they receive a cover letter with their certificate. Users can log in at the centre, learner or third-party portals.  

For more information about Certify, visit our website or contact us directly. Stay ahead with EAL and Certify, and ensure that you benefit from greater access to digital certificates at any time, on any device. 

Explore Certify

¹ Half of new engineering recruits lack the right skills - IET
² Engineering skills needs – Engineering UK