Careers adviser training numbers at highest level since 2012
- 11th Aug 2026
Analysis by the Institute of Employment Studies (IES), funded by Gatsby, has revealed regional distribution of careers advisers for the first time, together with increasing numbers qualifying at Level 6.
The latest report continues to examine Census, Labour Force Survey and Ofqual data on careers advisers – a profession essential for the delivery of both the Gatsby Benchmarks in schools, colleges and independent training providers; and personal careers guidance for adults needing to upskill or move into employment.
Findings include:
- More than 400 careers advisers have qualified at Level 6 annually in each of the last three years. The number qualifying is now at its highest level since 2012.
- The workforce is getting more highly trained: newly qualified careers advisers at Level 6 now far outweigh those qualifying at Level 4, continuing a trend seen since 2015.
- For the first time, we can see the distribution of careers advisers down to regional and local authority levels, with ratios for key audiences – including school/college students and out-of-work adults. Many of these audiences have grown over time, but at different rates in different areas, with implications for how many careers advisers will be needed, and where, in order to serve them.
Previous analysis in 2024 of the most recent Census data (recreated in this extended report) found that over ten years, the number of careers advisers working in secondary and further education had nearly doubled. This indicates the significant impact of the introduction of the Gatsby Benchmarks, which contain clear expectations for personal guidance meetings with a careers adviser (Gatsby Benchmark 8). The Gatsby Benchmarks and latest accompanying guidance can be found here (link).
Previous analysis also showed that careers advisers working in schools and colleges are getting more highly qualified and that average hours, including full-time working, have increased.
We are grateful to IES for their continued expertise in shedding light on a workforce that is crucial for good careers guidance.
The full report ‘The Careers Adviser Workforce 2025’ is available here (link). The Gatsby careers team can be contacted for enquiries about this research at careerguidance@gatsby.org.uk.
