IAG course can develop your own career

Connexions County Durham delivers a new course accredited by OCN North East Region - ‘Developing Information, Advice and Guidance, Skills and Knowledge’. The OCN course (accredited at Level Three) provides practitioners with information needed in order to guide and develop the skills and knowledge of young people.

Without gaining the OCN IAG skills qualification, Stephen Rutter would not be working in his current position for City Academy in Sunderland. The job, which required a Level Three qualification, involves management and development of policy around attendance.

Course Benefits
Stephen Rutter undertook the IAG skills course back in 2007, whilst working as an Attendance Tracking Mentor with East Durham College. Stephen explains, "The job involves providing information and advice to help students deal with a variety of problems. I found the course extremely beneficial, gaining training on how to effectively and efficiently deal with certain issues, such as students playing truant from school. Undertaking the course built my confidence and improved my practical and communication skills. I learnt to engage with students on their level and ultimately point students in the right direction, supporting them in preparation for their future".

Completing the course enabled Stephen to further his career at East Durham College. Securing a position as a personal tutor, Stephen ran a variety of support programmes for students, covering topics such as bullying, substance misuse, developing key skills and preparing for employment.

Since Stephen undertook OCN’s IAG skills course at East Durham College, numerous tutors and support staff have undertaken the same qualification, furthering their own careers.