Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance Development
QCF Diploma in Career Guidance and Development
This qualification provides valuable opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and knowledge in the workplace to reach a professional standing within their field. It has been specifically designed for those working in a higher/ management role within career guidance to young people or adults, and who are required to apply career guidance theories and models to support clients in making realistic and informed decisions and plans regarding new learning or training opportunities and career planning.
Online Learning
Don’t stop learning just because of work commitments. We can deliver our career guidance course remotely using video calls, our online resources such as videos and other resource material. This means you don’t have to travel anywhere.
Based in Wales and London we can deliver anywhere in the UK. Clients include Lewisham College, Kent County Council, Southwark Council, Middlesex University, London Met. University, Avon Valley School and the Adult Training Network to name but a few.
Can I Do This Level 6 Without a Level 4 Qualification
If you’re in a level 6 role with its associated responsibilities then yes you can can go straight to the Level 6 qualification. However if you are not in this role or have this level of responsibility then a level 4 would be the best way to start.
Cost
Commercial
15-month programme £2,495 per person (excluding enrolment fee)
Fully Funded Apprenticeship
24 month programme for levy paying employers. Click here to learn more.
Service
Commercial is where either you or your employer pay for the qualification but it can be completed quicker than the apprenticeship route. So if speed is important then this might be best route for you.
Whether you opt for the commercial or fully funded route, we offer flexibility and bespoke support to meet your specific circumstances.
Flexible Payment Plans
To make it easier for you, we can structure payments so you don’t have to pay in a lump sum. We can arrange for you to pay in monthly instalments which are payable by Standing Order.
The costs above are individuals. For organisations we can offer discounts for groups of staff.
When you register, you will see that your qualification has a stated end date. You can complete your qualification sooner than the end date if you are able to submit work regularly and at a good pace. If you do not complete your registered qualification by the stated end date you may be able to apply for an extension which will incur additional fees.
How Do You Complete the Course & What Are the Delivery Options
We pride ourselves on our service and creating fully bespoke programmes to meet your exact requirements. One to one tuition is the most favoured approach and we can tutor individuals around the unit requirements and deliver across a time frame suitable to every individual and situation. This is what sets us apart from others!
One to one learning is carried out:
- Via an E-learning platform and MS Teams over a time frame and time of day to suit you
- One to one assessments in the workplace, a venue of your choice, or remotely
Mandatory Units
The qualification covers mandatory units in guidance skills, including agreeing a contract, exploration of client needs and client development action plans. Other units cover managing career information and LMI, working with other agencies, and understanding career guidance theories. Practitioners will also be expected to reflect on their practice and professional development.
Optional Units
There are also a wide range of optional units to choose from to suit the role of the practitioner including use of diagnostic and assessment tools, delivering career related group sessions and undertaking research of behalf of the service. This qualification is likely to be mandatory for all career guidance practitioners in the future. It is regarded by the profession as the level required for entry to the Professional Register of Guidance Practitioners. By achieving this qualification they qualify to apply for membership of the Careers Profession Alliance (CPA).
In order to ensure that the qualification continues to meet the needs of all who provide careers guidance, OCR has added 3 new optional units to the qualification aimed at those who lead and manage careers provision in schools and other educational institutions.
The units are:
- Lead and manager career development work in an organisation
- Continuously improve career development work in an organisation
- Plan and design career-related learning programmes
Click here to see a full list of units
Motivational Interviewing Techniques
If you’re looking to just do certain elements of the programme why not consider our individual Motivational Interviewing training programme. Learn about the techniques which can motivate clients to change their behaviours
Click here to find out more on motivational interviewing
CPD
An important development within the careers education, information, advice, guidance and development (CEIAGD) sector is the introduction of a ‘Professional Register’ which requires practitioners to demonstrate that they are working at QCF level 6 or equivalent. The Institute of Career Guidance (ICG) gives the following guidance:
Registration is voluntary and open to those with a CPA approved career development qualification at QCF Level 6 and above or an alternative qualification at QCF Level 6 and above with robust evidence of competence equivalent to Level 6 and above against a recognised competency framework aligned with the National Occupational Standards for Career Development originally developed by LLUK. Practitioners with NVQ Level 4 in a specified career development qualification can be conditionally registered and will be expected to achieve QCF Level 6 units in Career Guidance and Development or the equivalent HE modules within two years
Who Will This Qualification Suit?
Individuals working in:
- The National Careers Service
- Schools and Higher Education
- External agency and voluntary service signposting roles
- Roles in other organisations that require the provision of career advice and guidance, information, employability support and signposting, as part of a broader role
What Are the Specific Benefits?
- Qualify to apply for membership of the Careers Profession Alliance (CPA)
- Meet the level required for entry to the Professional Register of Guidance Practitioners
- Expand employment opportunities and personal career opportunities
- Shortage of level 6 qualified staff across the UK
What Our Clients say About Us
The course has given my practice depth, I produce productive action plans giving my clients good rationale as to why and how they should do certain actions. Staffordshire University, 2024.
I feel more confident in my ability as a careers adviser and it has given me the resources to confidently support young people in navigating their own pathways for the future. Folkestone College, 2023.
