Careers adviser

Bookmark
Education and training
Care

Career outlook for careers adviser

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£21,000

Experienced

£35,000


Currently employed in Scotland

2,400

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would help people make good decisions when they choose education, training and work options. You’d help them get into the kind of jobs they'll enjoy.

You’d speak with individuals and ask them questions to help them clearly assess their own abilities, interests and achievements.

You would help each person:

  • Find learning and work opportunities
  • Use careers information and resources
  • Make decisions that suit their life and their circumstances
  • Look at available training and work options
  • Make a plan of action for achieving their aims

Once they’ve made a plan of action you’d support them to carry it out.

You would also develop working relationships with employers, colleges, universities and training providers.

You’d need to keep up to date with information about work and jobs, for example, you’d need to know what types of work are likely to become more important in the future. You find out what skills and education people would need to get jobs in that area of work.

You’d talk to and lead discussions with groups of people about what they can do to prepare for their careers.

You’d also update records for the individuals you work with and do other administration.

Working conditions

Hours

You would usually work 37 hours a week, Monday to Friday, perhaps with some evening work.

Environment

You could work at a range of locations, including schools, colleges, universities, and adult information, advice and guidance centres.

Travel

Your job could include a lot of local travel.

UK employment status

Full-time

46%

Part-time

46%

Self employed

8%

Create a qualification route

We've found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.

Discover my route

Search course options

Thinking about your future? There are lots of courses available that could interest you. Use our course search to explore course options.

Find courses

Search job opportunities

If you're looking for your new career our job search can help you. Discover interesting opportunities and decide your next steps.

Find a job

Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Building relationships
  • Supporting
  • Listening
  • Verbal communication
  • Written communication
  • Questioning
  • Researching
  • Time management
  • Coaching
  • Mentoring

Skills Explorer

Your skills can help you choose the career that's right for you. You can build your skills through work, study or activities you do in your spare time.

Our Skills Explorer tool will help you understand what skills you have and match them to jobs that might suit you.

Use the Skills Explorer tool

Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Qualifications

You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) and a postgraduate qualification (SCQF level 11) in Career Guidance and Development or work-based qualifications in Advice and Guidance (SVQ Level 2/3/4).

Entry to the postgraduate course requires a degree or equivalent or S/NVQ in Advice and Guidance though other qualifications and relevant experience may be considered. 

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Social studies such as psychology

You will also need

To be approved for membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme run by Disclosure Scotland.

Helpful to have

Qualifications that show understanding of employability and helping people.

Once qualified you can become a Member of Career Development Institute (CDI) and join the national Register of Career Development Professionals.

A driving licence is useful