Advice worker : Training

Since further or higher education qualifications are not essential for advice workers, training within the profession is very important. Organisations usually offer their own training programmes which provide general or in-depth knowledge of the areas in which they give advice. Most programmes will include basic legal training, communication and problem-solving skills. Training usually involves a combination of induction programmes, training and mentoring. The advice workers at each Citizens Advice Bureau , both voluntary and paid, are sent on an in-house accredited training course.

There are NVQ/SVQs at Level 3 and 4 in Advice and Guidance, which are run mainly at further education (FE) colleges or by private providers on a one-year part-time basis, either one evening or one afternoon a week. Most candidates do this while working, rather than before they enter the sector.

Some universities now offer foundation degrees in advice work. The degrees are designed to enable those already working in the field to build on their work experience and to gain a professional qualification.