There are two main ways to qualify as a careers adviser:

• take a specialist postgraduate careers guidance qualification

• train on-the-job in the workplace.

Graduates with a degree in any subject can apply to do a Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Career Development, which incorporates the CDI-awarded Qualification in Career Development. Courses are available at several universities and take one year full time or two years part time to complete.

Although you'll typically need to have a degree, some providers will accept applicants with equivalent professional qualifications or suitable relevant experience. Courses include a mix of academic learning and work placements.

Alternatively, if you already work for a careers organisation, you could train on the job. Qualifications include the:

• QCF Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice - for those providing careers information and advice, but not guidance

• QCF Level 6 Diploma in Career Guidance and Development - for those providing careers guidance and development.

Another option is to take a Career Development Professional Higher Apprenticeship, which is a Level 6, two-year apprenticeship.

For more information on the different training options and providers, see the CDI website.

To get a place on a course, you'll also need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in Scotland) check.

Although not always essential, the majority of employers will look for those who have, or who are willing to work towards, a relevant careers qualification.

You can work in a range of settings in the public, private and voluntary sectors, including schools, colleges and local authorities.

The National Careers Service, available in England, is one of the largest employers of careers advisers. Funded and managed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), it runs an online and telephone advice service for anyone over the age of 13. It also has local offices throughout England, which offer face-to-face appointments to adults over 19.

You could be employed at a National Careers Service telephone service centre or in one of their local offices. Work is contracted out to different careers organisations, and premises can include:

• schools or further education colleges

• jobcentres

• training providers

• libraries

• community centres

• probation offices

• housing associations

• healthcare settings

• charities

• places of worship

• local authorities.

It's also possible to work within consultancies or large businesses, advising employees on career management.

In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland careers advisers work for all-age guidance services. For more information, see:

• Careers Wales

• My World of Work (Skills Development Scotland)

• nidirect: Careers (Northern Ireland)

With experience, you can also work on a freelance/self-employed basis.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Careers in Careers - the Career Development Institute recruitment website

• Children & Young People Now Jobs

• TES Jobs