Free Level 2 Information, Advice or Guidance Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, which makes it practical if you have work or other commitments. The course takes around 10 weeks and covers the skills and knowledge used in advice-giving roles across careers, housing, employment, education, and other public sector settings. It won't qualify you as a fully trained information, advice and guidance worker, but it is a solid step toward further specialist training. If you're not already working or volunteering in a relevant role, it may be harder to meet some of the assessment requirements.
Who this course is for
Anyone looking to work or currently working in a role where you provide information, advice or guidance. You may be interested in supporting people with careers advice, customer service, mentoring, education, employment, housing, learning or legal support as well as advice in a range of other public sector settings. The course won't make you a qualified information, advice and guidance worker but it will help you to move on to to further sector specific training courses.
Entry requirements
If you aren't already working or volunteering in an information, advice or guidance role then it may be difficult to evidence some of the assessment criteria.
What you will learn
You'll understand the principles and values that underpin information, advice and guidance work.
You'll learn how to communicate effectively with people seeking support.
You'll explore the boundaries of your role and when to refer people to other services.
You'll develop skills in gathering and using relevant information to help others.
You'll learn how to maintain records and handle information appropriately.
You'll understand equality, diversity and inclusion in advice-giving contexts.
How you will learn
You'll study online and complete written assessments based on your practice in a real information, advice or guidance setting. Assessment is portfolio-based, drawing on evidence from your work or volunteering role. You'll demonstrate how you apply skills and knowledge in your day-to-day activities. Because evidence comes from your own practice, having a relevant role or placement in place before you start will help you complete the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. North Tyneside Employment and Skills will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Careers adviser assistant: supporting people to explore job and training options
Customer service adviser: handling queries in public or third-sector organisations
Housing support worker: helping people navigate housing options and services
Employment adviser: guiding people into work or training programmes
Mentoring coordinator: supporting individuals through structured one-to-one guidance
Community support worker: providing information and signposting in local settings
Learning support adviser: helping learners access education and training
What you could study next
Level 3 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance: the next step if you want to work as a qualified IAG practitioner in a professional setting.
Level 3 Certificate in Careers Information and Advice: suited to those moving toward a careers adviser role.
Level 4 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development: for those aiming at a professional careers guidance qualification recognised by the Career Development Institute.
