What is the course about?
The course will give you knowledge, skills and practical experience that you need to develop your professional practice in information, advice and guidance.
You will attend college one day a week to develop your knowledge and skills. You will also undertake an appropriate work placement to develop your practical competence. We encourage learners to find their placement before the start of classes. This is also suitable for someone already working in this area paid or voluntarily.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
The course will cover topics including:
Information, advice or guidance in practice
Developing Interaction skills in information, advice or guidance
Managing information
Skills for advice practitioners
Information, advice or guidance work with groups.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Deliver information, advice or guidance confidently in an appropriate work setting.
Describe the needs of your organisation in delivering information, advice or guidance
Describe the differences between information, advice or guidance
Give examples of a range of agencies for referral or signposting
Describe the purpose of accurate record keeping to fulfil good practice guidelines.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is a level 2 course. You will work towards the Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance. You should be able to read and summarise information from different sources and write two or three paragraphs confidently. You should be able to follow verbal or written instructions and communicate clearly in writing. You will be expected to take part in group discussions, make significant contributions and help move discussions forward. You should be able to plan, draft and organise your own work. You need to be able to upload your coursework on google classroom or other educational software.
In the workplace or voluntary setting you will need to be reliable, communicative and responsive to client's needs.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The classroom sessions are computer led and combine group work, discussion, case studies, self directed study, presentations, role-play, quizzes, DVD resources and research activities. You will be required to work on assignments in your own time, we recommend up to 10 hours a week. You will also be required to upload your work to a computer system such as google classroom or OneFile.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You should bring a folder for your work and a pen. You may need to complete a DBS check (Criminal record check) which the college can pay for.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
If you successfully complete the Level 2 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance you will be able to progress to:
Level 3 Award in Information, Advice or Guidance
Level 3 Certificate in Information, Advice or Guidance
NVQ Level 3 in Advice and Guidance
This course will also support your progression into the work place.
There are a variety of IAG jobs available, from working in education and enrolment to employment and careers advice, housing advice or immigration. With further education and experience you could earn up to £20,000 as an employment advisor.
Other appropriate Level 2 or Level 3 provision, for example teaching adults, facilitating group learning or mentoring.
