How to become a careers adviser
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can take either a postgraduate diploma or masters degree in career guidance. These courses lead to the Qualification in Career Development (QCD).
Many people apply to do this course after working in teaching, youth and community work or social services. These courses take 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a:
- Level 4 Employability practitioner higher apprenticeship
- Level 6 Career development professional higher apprenticeship
Entry requirements
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths
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Work
You could start by working as a careers support assistant or youth worker and take further training on the job.
Your employer may sponsor you to take work-based qualifications such as:
- Level 4 Diploma in Advice and Guidance
- Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice
- Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development
Volunteering
Experience of relevant paid or unpaid work, for example in support, advisory or mentoring roles could help you to gain work in this field.
Find out about local opportunities for voluntary work through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations or Do IT
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Professional and industry bodies
Once you're qualified, you can apply to join the Career Development Institute's UK register of career development professionals.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a careers adviser from the Career Development Institute.