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New flexible learning Careers Adviser course targets teachers

Friday 15 April 2011

Teachers

UEL is launching a distance version of its long-established post-graduate diploma in Careers Guidance. From September 2011 professionals interested in training to be a careers adviser can complete much of the course from home, making it far easier to combine with full-time work and other commitments. This will be the first course of its kind in England. Graduates from this 2-year course will be able to find work in schools and colleges, universities and the private sector.

This is a course that has attracted many teachers and classroom assistants looking for a career change, as the job of a careers adviser has allowed them to continue to work with young people, but avoids many of the frustrations often associated with a job in education. “As a French teacher I loved working with the students but felt the job took over my life.” says Anthony Fitzgerald who finished his course in 2008. “As a Careers Adviser I get to work with young people in small groups or one to one, but when I leave the office, my work is done and I'm able to hand any discipline issues over to the teachers.”

Course tutors have been impressed with students from teaching backgrounds because of their excellent range of skills: “We’re always delighted to see applicants who have worked in schools” says Course Director, Nelica La Gro, “as they tend to show real understanding of the young people and are often great problem solvers.”

The government have recently announced that from April 2012 England will have an all-age guidance service, so there will be many more opportunities for careers advisers to work with a range of clients. This new distance learning mode of study will allow more teachers and other career changers to make a move into this sector.

Notes to Editors

The University of East London (UEL) is a global learning community with over 28,000 students from over 120 countries world-wide. Our vision is to achieve recognition, both nationally and internationally, as a successful and inclusive regional university proud of its diversity, committed to new modes of learning which focus on students and enhance their employability, and renowned for our contribution to social, cultural and economic development, especially through our research and scholarship. We have a strong track-record in widening participation and working with industry.

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