Introduction
Employment advisers help a variety of people into jobs within the
local area. They may work with people who have disabilities, those
who live in deprived areas, people from ethnic minority communities
or the long-term unemployed. Often an employment adviser will
work on a specific council project, for example as part of a local
economic regeneration project, or a programme aimed at finding work
for those with learning disabilities.
Work Environment
Employment advisers are usually office-based, but may spend time
visiting employers. Normal working hours are 37 hours a week,
mainly during normal office hours, though flexitime arrangements
are common.
Daily Activities
Employment advisers may be involved in a wide range of activities
relating to the recruitment and development of their clients
including:
- liaising with local employers regarding the possible work
opportunities available and working closely with them on induction
and training programmes;
- scanning local newspapers and websites for relevant job
opportunities for their clients;
- assessing the skills of candidates, matching their skills to
the job opportunities available and assisting them with CVs,
applications and interviews;
- monitoring the progress of successful candidates, providing
coaching and mentoring for them in their new jobs and ensuring that
employer training and induction programmes are carried out as
agreed;
- working in partnership with other important contacts such as
Jobcentre Plus, the council's social services and/or economic
development department, local schools and colleges, careers
services, recruitment agencies, parents and carers.
Skills & Interests
Employment advisers need to be:
- excellent communicators;
- sensitive and diplomatic when dealing with a wide range of
people;
- persuasive negotiators;
- comfortable working on their own initiative;
- knowledgeable about the impact of unemployment;
- motivated, enthusiastic and committed to making a difference in
people's lives;
- committed to equal opportunities and promoting diversity.
Entry Requirements
There are no set entry requirements and often, previous experience
may be more important than qualifications. Some experience
providing advice and information or working with people on a
one-to-one basis would be useful. If the role involves
working alongside people with disabilities, some previous
experience within a caring environment may be required. Some
councils may ask for an NVQ/SVQ level 2 or 3 in advice and
guidance.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There may be opportunities to progress to more senior management
positions. There may also be opportunities to develop within
other departments in the council such as social services, the youth
service, the children's information service, education or economic
development and regeneration.
Further Information & Services
Association for Careers Education and Guidance www.agcas.org.uk
Association of Professionals in Education and Children's Trusts www.aspect.org.uk
Career Development Institute www.icg-uk.org
Education jobs www.eteach.com
Estyn www.estyn.gov.uk
European Network of Training Organisations for Local and Regional
Authorities www.ento.org
General Teaching Council for Wales www.gtcw.org.uk
Teacher Training & Education in Wales www.teachertrainingcymru.org
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.