At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide career advice and guidance to help individuals navigate their career paths.
- Company: Join a supportive and creative team at Skills Development Scotland.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, focus on wellbeing, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the Alloa area and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them achieve their career goals.
- Qualifications: Must hold a recognised qualification in Career Development and strong coaching skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Our Clackmannanshire CIAG team is looking for a team member to join our friendly, supportive and creative team within Alloa. This is a Permanent part time post (21 hours) – we’d love for you to join us! Current students pending completion in May 2026 will be considered.
About Us
We deliver Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) services across Scotland, supporting people of all ages to develop the skills, confidence and insight they need to make informed career decisions. Working with schools, learning providers, employers and partner organisations, our teams play a key role in helping individuals progress into positive and sustainable learning or employment outcomes.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll provide high quality, impartial careers information, advice and guidance using a coaching approach, supporting customers on a one‑to‑one and group basis. Your work will focus on developing career management skills, helping individuals understand their options, set goals and take ownership of their career journey. Depending on service need, you may work with school‑age young people, post‑school customers and adults – all within the role of a Careers Adviser. You’ll assess customer needs using approved tools, develop tailored career development plans, and work closely with partners to support effective transitions into learning, training or employment. You’ll also promote SDS services, including My World of Work, and maintain accurate records to support continuous improvement and high professional standards.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people who are committed to delivering positive outcomes for customers and who can build strong, respectful relationships with a wide range of individuals and partners. To be eligible for the role of Careers Adviser at Skills Development Scotland, you must hold the Career Development Institute (CDI) UK recognised professional Qualification in Career Development (QCD or its predecessor equivalent) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Career Guidance and Development. You’ll bring strong coaching and interpersonal skills, an understanding of career management skills and labour market information, and the ability to work flexibly in a changing environment. A commitment to our National Occupational Standards and Code of Ethics, continuous improvement and ongoing CPD is essential.
About SDS
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is Scotland’s national skills agency, focused on driving productivity and inclusive economic growth by investing in skills and supporting people and businesses to reach their full potential. Through deep partnership working, expert insights and innovative solutions, SDS helps address Scotland’s skills and labour market challenges, ensuring employers can access the talent they need while individuals gain opportunities to develop and thrive. SDS is guided by strong organisational values, placing customers at the heart of everything it does and fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and respect.
Our Values
- We put the needs of our customers at the heart of all we do
- We make use of our combined strengths and expertise to deliver the best outcomes
- We demonstrate self‑motivation, personal responsibility, and respect
- We continually improve to achieve excellence
Why You’ll Love Working Here
SDS is an award‑winning, equal opportunities and fair work employer where our culture is driven by our people. The values we share guide how we support our customers—the people of Scotland—and how we support one another. With progressive benefits, flexible ways of working, and a strong focus on wellbeing, engagement, and development, we’re proud to be a great place to work.
Where You’ll Be Working
This role will be located in our Alloa. The Alloa Centre covers a geographical area, including Alloa, Alva, Clackmannan, Menstrie, Tillicoultry and Tullibody. Travel within this area will be required, therefore a full current driving licence and access to a vehicle, or alternative means of transport (e.g., Access to Work support), is preferable. Happy to discuss this with candidates at interview.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At SDS we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. If you’ve got the right skills for the job, we want to hear from you. We encourage applications from the right candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race. Therefore, while we want to know about your relevant skills and experience, please avoid disclosing any identifying characteristics.
Careers Adviser - Alloa employer: Skills Development Scotland
Skills Development Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in addressing regional skills needs. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the North East of Scotland. Our hybrid working model ensures flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to strategic initiatives in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, and Moray.
Contact Details:
Skills Development Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Adviser - Alloa
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Skills Development Scotland just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Skills Development Scotland. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Adviser - Alloa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Careers Adviser - Alloa role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Skills Development Scotland, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skills Development Scotland
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Skills Development Scotland, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Skills Development Scotland, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
