In this guide
Working with a career coach
Free career advice in the UK: where to go
The official free careers services for adults in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, what they help with and how to prepare for an appointment.
Services by nation
| Where you live | Service | Start here |
|---|---|---|
| England | Careers advice through the National Careers Service and DWP Jobs and Careers Service | nationalcareers.service.gov.uk |
| Scotland | My World of Work, from Skills Development Scotland | myworldofwork.co.uk |
| Wales | Careers Wales | careerswales.gov.wales |
| Northern Ireland | Careers service on nidirect | nidirect.gov.uk |
Arrangements change, so check the service's own website for current contact routes and opening times.
Other free routes
- Universities and colleges: many offer careers support to recent graduates as well as current students; check with yours.
- Jobcentre Plus: if you are claiming benefits, your work coach can help with job search and training.
- Trade unions and professional bodies: some offer careers support to members.
- Libraries and community organisations: some run job clubs and digital skills sessions.
What a careers adviser can help with
- Exploring jobs that fit your skills, interests and circumstances.
- Understanding qualifications, courses and how to get onto them.
- Working out routes back into work after a break or redundancy.
- Improving applications and preparing for interviews.
- Finding local organisations that offer further support.
Advisers give guidance and information. They do not make decisions for you, and they are not the right route for legal or benefits disputes, which have their own official channels.
Prepare for an appointment
Before you speak to an adviser
- Write down your question in one or two sentences.
- Note your qualifications and recent work, roughly in order.
- List any constraints, such as location, hours or health.
- Have a recent resume to hand if the conversation is about applications.
When a paid coach might add something
Public services are strongest on information and guidance. If you need ongoing work on a specific goal, such as several sessions preparing for a career change, a paid independent coach is another option. Many people use both.
Common questions
Is the National Careers Service only for young people?
No. Its help pages cover adults too; people aged 18 or over in England are directed to a free careers adviser through the DWP Jobs and Careers Service.
Do I need to be unemployed to get free careers advice?
Generally no. The national careers services are open to adults whether or not they are working; check each service for its current eligibility.
Sources
- National Careers Service: help and supportNational Careers Service (GOV.UK) · England · checked 3 October 2026
- My World of WorkSkills Development Scotland · Scotland · checked 3 October 2026
- Careers WalesCareers Wales · Wales · checked 3 October 2026
- Careers servicenidirect · Northern Ireland · checked 3 October 2026
- Contact Jobcentre PlusGOV.UK · Great Britain · checked 3 October 2026
Put it into practice
See how Luceria helps with thisDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.