Voluntary work experience is highly desirable, ideally with varied client groups such as bereaved, drug abusers, homeless teenagers. Special entry requirements You must be mature and non-judgemental. Upper age limits on courses barely exist. Young people would need to demonstrate life experience and lower limits on courses may apply eg 25. Competition More are being trained than there are jobs for.
Many positions are part-time.
May gain valuable experience from voluntary counselling work and then move to further training and paid work. Tips for entry Do voluntary work. Job shadow someone doing the job you want. Approach potential employers direct, offer to help out. Interview people in the know eg student service directors.