Awarding body:
Oxford Cambridge & RSA Examinations (OCR)
Qualification type:
NVQ Diploma
What's the Advice and Guidance course about?
This qualification is designed to reflect the work of experienced practitioners who work directly with clients, disseminating information, advice and guidance (IAG) and formal advocacy at level 4. Candidates might also have some managerial or training responsibilities. They could also be creators of IAG, either disseminating information themselves as practitioners or through their organisation in the form of publications. Candidates at this level are expected to have a more dynamic relationship with other organisations.
Mandatory units include:
- Developing interactions with clients
- Managing a personal caseload
- Evaluating and developing your own contribution to the service
- Operating within networks
- Understanding the importance of legislation and procedures
Optional units include:
- Action planning
- Advocating on behalf of clients
- Negotiating on behalf of clients
- Liaising with other services
- Integrating and promoting careers education guidance
- Facilitating learning in groups
- Mediating on behalf of clients
Candidates complete a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio will include records of workplace observations, products of work, written questions and proof of verbal questioning, witness testimonies and evidence of professional discussion, as well as any other evidence that has been deemed valid by their assessor, eg case studies, reflective accounts, etc. Please note there is no exam.
What will I be able to do after I've completed this course?
On completion of the Level 4 NVQ Diploma, many candidates will progress within their careers, possibly into more senior roles.
There are numerous job roles employing qualified advice and guidance staff; these include working within roles in organisations such as Next Step, the soon to be launched National Careers Service, government funded training providers, learning projects and centres (including those within health trusts), prison-based IAG, school, college or university-based advice and guidance and mentoring services, welfare rights and advice centres/services, children's services and voluntary and charitable organisations, including Alcohol and Drug services.
Candidates can also progress onto the Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development or move into higher education in areas such as careers guidance (QCG or Post Graduate courses), social work, youth work and/or community studies.
What qualifications or experience do I need to do this course?
Candidates must be either employed in a relevant role within the sector or be operating as an experienced volunteer. We recommend that you are volunteering for a minimum of two days per week and that you have at least six months' experience before commencing the programme.
Your role needs to be in a senior advisory or guidance capacity in an IAG setting. Your employer/volunteering placement will need to agree to observations of your work with clients by a college assessor.
Whilst experience is more relevant than formal qualifications, a good standard of English is required (level 2 equivalent in literacy) and all candidates must undertake the BKSB online literacy assessment to confirm this. IT competence is also required as some work must be submitted via email, so you must also have an email address and regular access to IT.
Which qualification will I be awarded if I successfully complete the Advice and Guidance course?
You will be awarded an OCR Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Advice and Guidance.
Hours per week
4
As the definition of full time and part time can vary from course to course, please check with the tutor as to the exact number of hours study each week this course will entail.
Price (for guidance only)
£812.00
The fee for this course is approximate and subject to change.The price includes tuition and materials fees (where applicable), but excludes any exam or registration fees (where applicable). The actual amount you pay may also be affected by your age and personal circumstances. For further details please visit our fees section.
How do I apply?
For further information or to apply for a course, contact our Course Enquiry Team on FREECALL 0800 068 8585 or email enquiries@themanchestercollege.ac.uk.
You can also apply on line for the Advice and Guidance course.
Please note, the course information on this website is provided as a reference guide only and is subject to change. It is therefore important that you check all course details, including location, timetable, fee, etc, at enrolment as the college operates a no refund policy.
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