Careers Information, Advice and Guidance for Everyone

This service is available to everybody.

Information: We provide information about courses and qualifications and where they are delivered. If we are not able to help you, or it is more appropriate, we will refer you to local or national agencies and other organisations. We can also point out websites containing additional information.

Advice: You may need help to interpret the information we give you, or want to find out more about your options. We can explain things in more detail and help you to make a choice. We may suggest that you speak to a careers adviser for a full guidance interview, or refer you to other specialist agencies, if appropriate.

Guidance: This involves an in-depth interview or an activity to help you explore a range of options, to relate information to your own needs, past experience and circumstances, and then make a career decision. Depending on your situation, you may need more than one guidance interview, as there might be many issues for you to consider and explore with your adviser. S/he will not make a decision for you, but will try to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge to make a well-informed choice which will help you to progress in learning or work. During the guidance process you should gain career planning skills which will help you, throughout your lifetime, to manage your career.

Professional standards
All our advisers are have appropriate experience and qualifications. The service is confidential, impartial, and also promotes equal opportunities.

What’s on offer?

You can receive this service in any of the forms listed below.

Drop-in information and advice: We have a drop-in facility which is open during office hours, where you can receive information and advice on the education and training opportunities available locally. You may be able to speak to an adviser immediately if someone is available, or if you need more in-depth advice and guidance, you can make an appointment for a guidance interview.

One-to-one guidance interview
This is an in-depth discussion with a careers adviser. You will have the opportunity to discuss your career in a confidential setting with an experienced, qualified adviser. This will involve you being asked probing questions about your past experience, and how you have made decisions in the past, so that a picture can be built up of your skills and abilities. The adviser won’t tell you what to do or find you a job, but can help you to understand the options which are available to you, tell you where and how to look for jobs, and help with job applications and CVs. We can also type your CV for you.

Examples of issues clients may present with:

• I’m in a dead-end job and fancy a change, but don’t know what I want to do next.
• I’m going to be made redundant.
• I’m applying for a job and need help with writing a CV.
• I missed out on education when I was young. Is it too late for me to study?
• I want to be a physiotherapist, but don’t know what qualifications I need.
• I want to go to university and need help with applying.
• My English and maths are weak – how can I improve them?

Email and or telephone guidance
If it is inconvenient for you to come and see an adviser, or you prefer to communicate remotely, then please contact us. Although this medium does not have all the advantages of a face-to-face meeting, it suits some people with busy lifestyles or for whom travelling is a problem.

Workshops
We offer workshops on CV writing, interview techniques and confidence building, which are open to anyone. These sessions normally last 2–3 hours. At the end of the CV workshop we will type your CV for you. Check the website for the availability of workshops, or contact us for more details. We can also offer bespoke workshops for employers .

Psychometric testing
A psychometric test is a way of assessing a person’s ability or personality in a measured and structured way. Some tests are used by employers to assist in recruitment, and some people feel the tests are useful to help them make career decisions. Many graduate employers use this type of testing as part of their selection process

The tests have to be administered and interpreted by a professionally trained person, and we are able to offer that facility. To find out more about psychometric testing and try out examples of tests, go to www.shl.com or www.pyschometricadvantage.co.uk. 

For more information, click on the links below:

Employers
Interview Techniques
Parents 
Schools
Writing a CV