Personal Adviser (Connexions)
What is the work like?
Personal advisers in the Connexions service provide information, advice and guidance for 13 to 19 year olds. They help with any of the issues that affect a young person’s life, including:
- careers, training and employment
- difficulties at home or school
- problems in areas such as relationships, housing, health, money, drugs or alcohol.
As a personal adviser your work would typically include:
- talking to clients to help identify their needs
- providing information, or helping to access information
- helping clients to make informed choices that meet their needs
- providing motivation and support and challenging low aspirations
- advocating and mediating on behalf of clients
- helping clients to identify and access opportunities for self-development, such as volunteering, community activities or sport
- helping clients to access specialist services, such as drug and alcohol organisations and housing
- helping clients overcome racial, gender, disability and other types of discrimination and stereotyping
- giving talks and leading group discussions
- keeping records and carrying out other administrative tasks.
You would work with a wide range of other organisations such as schools, colleges, training providers, voluntary organisations and employers.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can become a personal adviser in either of the following ways:
- Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG)
- work-based route.
Qualification in Careers Guidance (QCG)
This is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course. On the course you would combine academic study with work-based learning. Most people entering this course have a degree, but you may also be accepted with relevant experience, so you should check with course providers.
Visit the Institute of Career Guidance website for details of colleges and universities providing the QCG.
Work-based route
You may be able to start as a trainee personal adviser and work towards NVQ qualifications up to level 4. You will need experience of working with young people, and it would be useful to have a background in a relevant area like youth work, social work, careers advice or education.
You will need CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) clearance to make sure you are suitable to work with young people.
You may find it useful to have a driving licence, as you would probably need to travel within the local area.
What further training and development can I do?
If you start work as a trainee, you will be supervised by a fully qualified personal adviser whilst you are training. The amount of training you will need will depend on the qualifications and experience you already have.
Whatever your level of entry, you will usually work towards NVQ Level 4 in Learning, Development and Support Services. If you already have the Qualification in Careers Guidance you will be exempt from some of the units of the NVQ. You will also complete other Connexions training.
Where can I go for more information?
Copthall House
1 New Road
Stourbridge
DY8 1PH
Tel: 01384 376464
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Salary scales are based on qualifications and experience.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
As a personal adviser, you would usually work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may also occasionally need to work during the evening and at weekends.
You would work in a variety of places, including schools, Connexions centres and in the community.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- the ability to gain the trust and respect of young people
- excellent communication and 'people' skills
- a non-judgemental, empathetic and caring approach
- enthusiasm and commitment to helping young people make the most of available opportunities
- patience, flexibility and a sense of humour
- the ability to work as a team member
- time-management skills and the ability to organise your own workload
- administrative and computer skills.
What opportunities are there?
In April 2008 the Connexions service became the responsibility of local education authorities, as part of their youth support services.
At present, some existing Connexions services will carry on under contract to the local authority, whilst in other areas services will be delivered in-house by the local authority or by careers companies in partnership with the local authority.
See the Every Child Matters website and New Arrangements for Connexions/Careers Services for Young People in England to find out more.
Connexions Direct employs advisers to support young people over the phone and online.
As an experienced personal adviser, you could progress to a team leader or management job within the service. You could also move into related types of work such as education welfare, the care sector and training.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
