Careers counsellor

Fee-free and reduced-fee courses: Jobs & Skills WA

Careers counsellor

Career counsellors help people plan and manage their careers. They offer assistance in making decisions about education and training and personal development, and may also assist in arranging work experience and internships. As career development is a lifelong process, career counsellors work with clients of all ages and may work in schools, TAFE colleges (or institutes of technology), universities, business organisations, government agencies and/or private practice.

Working conditions

Career counsellors generally work standard office hours. They have a high level of contact with people, including clients and industry contacts.

Tools and technologies

Career counsellors use a wide range of industry-specific tools such as books, websites (including career websites) and attend professional development seminars and conferences.

Education and training

To become a careers counsellor, you usually need to complete qualifications in career development or employment services.

The Certificate IV in Career Development and the Certificate IV in Employment Services are offered at registered training organisations throughout Western Australia. To find a training provider near you, browse the Jobs and Skills WA website - external site or visit the My Skills website - external site.

You can undertake a traineeship in employment services. The employment services (level 4) traineeship usually takes 12 months to complete.

You can study a degree majoring in counselling, education, human resources or psychology followed by a postgraduate qualification in career development.

All universities in Western Australia offer relevant undergraduate degree courses. Postgraduate courses in career development are offered at interstate universities, through distance education. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information.

Jobs & Skills WA: Get the skills you need for the job you want, with fee-free and reduced-fee courses:

Apprenticeships and traineeships

As an apprentice or trainee, you are employed and get paid while you complete training towards a nationally recognised qualification. You'll do a combination of on the job training - gaining hands on skills, knowledge and experience - and structured training with a registered training provider such as TAFE. 

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school leaver, re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature aged person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships

Free support and assistance

Your local jobs and Skills Centre can provide free information, support and assistance to help you decide on the best training options to meet your goals.

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Disclaimer

The information presented on the occupation profiles within this website is offered as a guide only.