What does a School Careers Adviser actually do?

The short version

School careers advisers deliver the independent careers guidance every school must legally provide — one-to-one interviews, employer links, and the Gatsby benchmark programme. It's a statutory role with a real qualifications ladder (Level 4, then the Level 6 professional standard) and a shortage of qualified people.

Pay is modest compared to teaching, posts are often lone or part-time, and AI turns out to be a force multiplier for the role rather than a threat — the guidance interview itself is protected by statute and by being human.

Entry routes that actually work

• Level 4 CIAG — the entry qualification; no degree needed.
• Level 6 Diploma / apprenticeship in Career Guidance — the standard for one-to-one school work; train while employed.
• Pivot from teaching, youth work, recruitment or HR — all transfer well.