How to become
You can get into this job through:
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by a professional body
Apprenticeship
You may be able to apply to do a Revenues and Welfare Benefits Practitioner Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
This is sometimes offered by organisations like money advice services and local councils.
Entry requirements
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
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Volunteering
A common way into this career is to volunteer in an advice centre. You'll often start by giving general advice, then get special training in money advice once you have more experience.
It usually takes at least a year to get enough experience and knowledge to apply for paid work as a money adviser.
You can search for volunteering opportunities through organisations like:
Direct Application
It may be possible to apply directly to employers if you have some of the relevant skills and knowledge required for this role. It will be useful to have experience in other areas like:
- consumer advice
- welfare rights work
- debt recovery for a bank, council, utility company or similar organisation
Employers may not ask for qualifications as your experience would be the most important thing. You will need a reasonable standard of English and maths.
Your employer may ask you to do additional specialist training.
Other Routes
You can do a Level 3 Certificate and Diploma in Money and Debt Advice through the Chartered Institute of Credit Management.
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Career tips
For some jobs, it may be an advantage if you speak a minority community language.
Professional and industry bodies
You may find it useful to join organisations like the Institute of Money Advisers, for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.