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.
- 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.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across the Alloa area and a commitment to equality and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ 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
Contact Detail:
Skills Development Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Adviser - Alloa
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role thoroughly. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation shine through. We believe that genuine interest can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. We recommend expressing your appreciation for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Adviser - Alloa
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Careers Adviser. We want to see how you can contribute to our team and support our customers effectively!
Showcase Your Coaching Skills: Since the role involves a coaching approach, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully guided others in their career journeys. We love seeing real-life stories that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly understand your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our Clackmannanshire CIAG team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skills Development Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) services that the organisation provides. Brush up on your knowledge of career management skills and labour market information, as these will be key topics during your interview.
✨Show Your Coaching Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your coaching approach in the interview. Think of examples where you've successfully supported individuals in their career journeys, whether through one-on-one sessions or group workshops. Highlight how you’ve helped others set goals and take ownership of their paths.
✨Build Rapport
Since the role involves building strong relationships, practice how you can connect with different types of people. Be ready to discuss how you’ve fostered respectful relationships with clients and partners in the past, showcasing your interpersonal skills.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The organisation values continuous improvement, so come prepared to talk about your commitment to ongoing professional development. Share any relevant training or experiences that demonstrate your dedication to enhancing your skills and knowledge in career guidance.