Free Level 2 Information, Advice or Guidance Course. Study online at your own pace, fitting learning around your existing commitments. This free information, advice or guidance course covers how to deliver effective guidance in a range of settings, from career decisions to housing, debt, and employment support. The course takes around 150 hours in total. You'll study mandatory units on guidance practice and interaction skills, plus optional units tailored to your area of interest. No specific entry requirements apply, though GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths, or equivalent, is recommended.
Who this course is for
Overview Looking to enhance your skills as a mentor or careers advisor? This FREE Level 2 online course is designed to help you provide stronger support and guidance to others, by deepening your knowledge of delivering effective information, advice, and guidance in various contexts. Whether you’re helping someone make career decisions or offering initial support, this course will boost your ability to make an impact.
Entry requirements
No specific entry requirements, but a minimum of a GCSE grade 4-9 in English and Maths (or equivalent) is recommended.
What you will learn
You'll understand the principles and practice of delivering information, advice, and guidance.
You'll develop the interaction skills needed to support people effectively in guidance conversations.
You'll learn how to work with groups in an information, advice, or guidance context.
You'll explore specialist areas such as debt advice, employment advice, or housing advice.
You'll understand how information, advice, or guidance works within schools and colleges.
You'll learn how to use networks and referral routes to support the people you work with.
How you will learn
You'll study entirely online, working through units at your own pace. An assessor will guide you throughout the course. Assessment is based on written assignments and knowledge tasks linked to each unit. You choose optional units to match your area of work or interest. The course is structured around mandatory and optional units, giving you a qualification that reflects the guidance context you work in.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. West Notts College Derby Road Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. If you are not confident using tools such as email or Microsoft Word, the college offers free short digital and IT courses to help you get ready.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Careers adviser: supporting people with career decisions and planning.
Information and advice worker: providing guidance in community or charity settings.
Employment adviser: helping people find and prepare for work.
Housing support worker: advising clients on housing options and rights.
Debt adviser: guiding people through debt management options.
School or college guidance worker: supporting students with choices and next steps.
Mentor or key worker: offering structured support to individuals in services.
What you could study next
Level 3 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Information, Advice or Guidance: deepens your practice and is suited to those taking on more complex casework or a senior guidance role.
Level 3 Certificate in Careers Information and Advice: a recognised step toward working as a qualified careers adviser.
Level 4 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development: required if you want to work as a fully qualified careers professional in a regulated or statutory setting.
