Careers Adviser - South Ayrshire

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.

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

Where You’ll be Working

This role will be based in Ayrshire College, Ayr Campus, although there will be travel due to the nature of the role and the geography of South Ayrshire. South Ayrshire supports a large and varied education landscape, with 40 primary schools, 8 secondary schools and 2 dedicated Additional Support Needs (ASN) schools. Schools are spread across the council area, from the more densely populated of Ayr, Prestwick and Troon to smaller and more rural communities such as Maybole, Girvan, Barrhill and Straiton. Given the size and rural nature of parts of South Ayrshire, a full driving licence and access to a car is highly recommended to support outreach and travel between locations.

Benefits

We offer progressive benefits, flexible ways of working, and a strong focus on wellbeing, engagement, and development.

Equal Opportunities

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.