At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in making informed career decisions and guide them through their career journeys.
- Company: Join Skills Development Scotland, a leading national skills agency.
- Benefits: Receive a competitive salary, paid study leave, and a funded postgraduate diploma.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Degree or HND with relevant experience; strong interpersonal skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We warmly welcome applications from Gaelic speakers and from those who would value the opportunity to use and develop their Gaelic language skills in this role.
About the Team
We deliver Career Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) services across Argyll and Bute, supporting people of all ages to develop the skills, confidence and insight they need to make informed, ongoing 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, training or employment outcomes within their lifelong career journey.
What You’ll Be Doing
Skills Development Scotland has an exciting opportunity for a customer-focused individual to join our Career Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) team as a Trainee Careers Adviser (TCA). This is an excellent opportunity to join our organisation through our bespoke TCA development programme, with a clear pathway to becoming a permanent Careers Adviser, as many of our current advisers have done before. You will be supported through a comprehensive in-house development plan alongside a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Career Guidance and Development, leading to the Qualification in Career Development (QCD).
What We’re Looking For
- Ideally, you will be educated to degree level/SCQF Level 9, but we would also invite applications from candidates with an HND at SCQF Level 8 who have considerable work experience in an employability, education and/or public service role.
- To be successful in the role, you must be fully committed to undertaking postgraduate study while performing the duties of a Trainee Careers Adviser.
- Experience in employability, education and/or public service would be beneficial.
- Strong interpersonal skills are essential.
- This role would suit someone who is passionate about supporting people through career decisions and transitions in their community.
- We would particularly welcome candidates who speak Gàidhlig and can support Gaelic-speaking customers across the local authority area.
As part of a geographically dispersed team, the role will be well suited to someone who is able to work well as part of a team and who can work well independently with self-direction in complex work environments.
SDS takes its duty of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults very seriously. Due to the type of work and customer contact employees in Career Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) have with young people and their personal data, successful applicants will be subject to a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check by Disclosure Scotland.
Our commitment to you
SDS has designed a comprehensive bespoke development plan for our TCAs that combines both academic and on-the-job learning. The postgraduate study will be provided by Edinburgh Napier University from September 2026 and will be undertaken part time via distance learning over two years. To enable you to undertake this study, you will receive one day of paid study leave per week, over and above the personal study expected of a course at this level.
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.
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. 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 is based in Oban, where the natural beauty of Argyll and Bute meets the vibrant culture of the west coast. From this base, you will deliver Career Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) across schools, communities and partner settings throughout the locality, including Oban, Tobermory, Tiree and Lochgilphead. This role cannot be delivered remotely, so there must be a genuine commitment to be based in this location.
How to Apply
The closing date to submit your application is Monday 22nd June 2026. If this opportunity excites you and you would like to discuss the role in more detail to help you decide if it is right for you, please contact Marie Ann Weir, Marieann.weir@sds.co.uk.
One Last (but very important) Thing
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.
Trainee Careers Adviser - Oban employer: Skills Development Scotland
Skills Development Scotland (SDS) is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a bespoke Trainee Careers Adviser programme that includes a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Career Guidance and Development. Located in the picturesque Oban, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and respect, while also enjoying flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on wellbeing. With a commitment to promoting the Gaelic language and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, SDS provides meaningful opportunities for individuals passionate about helping others navigate their career journeys.
Contact Details:
Skills Development Scotland Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Careers Adviser - Oban
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current Careers Advisers or professionals in the field. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This can give you insider knowledge and maybe even a foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend or family member to do a mock interview with you. Focus on common questions for Trainee Careers Advisers and make sure you can articulate your passion for helping others with their career journeys.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your interpersonal skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with people in the past. Whether it’s through volunteering or previous jobs, let them know you’re all about that person-centred approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our awesome development programme there!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Careers Adviser - Oban
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through! We want to see how much you care about supporting people in their career journeys, so share any relevant experiences that highlight this passion.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the Trainee Careers Adviser role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially those related to employability and education. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and motivations at a glance.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at SDS!
How to prepare for a job interview at Skills Development Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Trainee Careers Adviser and the services provided by Skills Development Scotland. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they support career development in your community. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the position.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
As this role involves engaging with customers of all ages, be prepared to demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully communicated or supported someone through a career decision. This will highlight your suitability for the person-centred nature of the job.
✨Embrace Your Passion for Gaelic
If you speak Gàidhlig, don’t hesitate to mention it! Highlighting your language skills can set you apart, especially since the role welcomes candidates who can support Gaelic-speaking customers. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve used your language skills in a professional setting.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team. Ask about the training programme, the types of challenges you might face, or how success is measured in the position. This shows that you’re not only interested in the job but also in your own growth within the organisation.
