Guide to Using the National Careers Service in the UK

The National Careers Service offers free, impartial advice and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your learning, training, and work opportunities. This guide provides comprehensive information on the services available through the National Careers Service, how to access them, and useful links to websites and contact details.

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1. Overview of the National Careers Service

About the National Careers Service:

• The National Careers Service provides expert advice to help you manage your career and develop the skills required to achieve your career goals.
• Services are available to people of all ages and at all stages of their career, whether you’re just starting out, looking for a change, or need support to advance in your current job.

Useful Resource:

• National Careers Service – Official Website

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2. Services Offered

Career Advice and Guidance:

• Access to qualified careers advisors who can help you explore career options, identify suitable roles, and develop a career plan.
• Advice on job searching, CV writing, and interview preparation.

Skills Assessment:

• Tools to help you identify your skills, interests, and strengths.
• Personalized recommendations for career paths and training opportunities.

Course Information:

• Information on a wide range of courses and training programs, including vocational qualifications, professional certifications, and higher education.
• Guidance on funding options and financial support.

Job Market Information:

• Up-to-date information on job market trends, in-demand skills, and employment opportunities.
• Regional job market insights to help you understand local employment prospects.

Redundancy Support:

• Tailored support for individuals facing redundancy, including advice on retraining and finding new employment.

Useful Resource:

• National Careers Service – Our Services

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3. How to Access the National Careers Service

Online:

• The National Careers Service website offers a wealth of resources, including career tools, job profiles, and course directories.
• Access the website 24/7 to explore career options, take skills assessments, and find training opportunities.

Phone:

• Speak to a careers advisor by calling the National Careers Service helpline.
• Phone Number: 0800 100 900
• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
  • Saturday: 10am to 5pm
  • Closed on Sundays and bank holidays

Face-to-Face:

• Arrange an in-person appointment with a careers advisor at a local careers centre.
• Find your nearest centre through the National Careers Service website.

Useful Resource:

• National Careers Service – Contact Us

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4. Using the National Careers Service Website

Career Tools:

• Skills Assessment: Identify your skills, interests, and strengths to discover suitable career paths.
  • Skills Assessment
• Find a Course: Search for courses and training programs to help you gain new skills or qualifications.
  • Find a Course
• Explore Careers: Access detailed job profiles to learn about different roles, duties, salary expectations, and required qualifications.
  • Explore Careers

Advice and Support:

• Job Profiles: Detailed information on various job roles, including typical activities, working hours, and career progression.
  • Job Profiles
• Writing a CV: Tips and templates to help you create a professional CV that stands out to employers.
  • Writing a CV
• Interview Tips: Guidance on how to prepare for and succeed in job interviews.
  • Interview Tips

Useful Resource:

• National Careers Service – Career Tools

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5. Key Features and Tools

Skills Health Check:

• A set of quizzes and activities designed to help you understand your interests, motivations, and skills.
• Provides a detailed report with career suggestions based on your results.

Action Plan:

• Create a personalized action plan outlining your career goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
• Regularly update your action plan to track your progress and adjust your goals as needed.

Job Market Information:

• Access regional and national job market data to stay informed about employment trends and opportunities.
• Learn about the skills and qualifications in demand in your area.

Useful Resource:

• National Careers Service – Skills Health Check

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6. Additional Support and Resources

For Young People:

• Dedicated resources and advice for young people making decisions about their education and career paths.
• Guidance on apprenticeships, further education, and university options.

For Adults:

• Support for adults looking to change careers, upskill, or return to work after a break.
• Information on funding options and adult education courses.

For Employers:

• Resources to help employers support their workforce through training and development.
• Advice on recruiting apprentices and accessing government funding.

Useful Resource:

• National Careers Service – Advice for Different Stages

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7. Contact Details and Useful Links

General Enquiries:

• Phone: 0800 100 900
• Email: Use the contact form on the website for specific queries.
• National Careers Service – Contact Form

Useful Links:

• National Careers Service – Home
• National Careers Service – Find a Course
• National Careers Service – Explore Careers
• National Careers Service – Skills Assessment
• National Careers Service – Job Profiles

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8. Additional Resources

Learning Platforms and Tools:

• The Skills Toolkit: Free online courses to help you learn new skills or change jobs.
  • The Skills Toolkit
• FutureLearn: Offers a variety of online courses from top universities and organizations.
  • FutureLearn

  Job Search and Career Development:

• Find a Job – Gov.uk: Government job search platform.
  • Find a Job – Gov.uk
• Indeed: Popular job search engine with listings across various industries.
  • Indeed

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By following this guide and utilizing the provided resources, you can take full advantage of the services offered by the National Careers Service to support your career development. Whether you are looking to explore new career options, gain new qualifications, or receive guidance on job searching and interview preparation, the National Careers Service provides the tools and support needed to achieve your goals. Good luck!