Contribute to and Make Use of Information, Advice and Guidance
This element focuses on equipping learners with the ability to access, evaluate, and contribute to Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) services within a work-based context. It emphasizes the practical application of IAG to support personal career progression and the recognition of when specialist services are needed. Understanding the role and effective utilization of IAG is essential for making informed decisions about employment and professional development.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Laser Level 1 Extended Award for Getting Into Employment is a foundational qualification designed to equip students with the essential skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to successfully transition from education into the world of work. This award covers key areas such as understanding the job market, preparing effective job applications, developing interview techniques, and building workplace readiness. It forms part of the Laser Learning Awards Other Life Skills Qualification suite, which focuses on practical, real-world employability skills that are valued by employers across all sectors.
This qualification is particularly important for students who may have limited work experience or who need structured guidance to navigate the employment process. By completing this award, students gain confidence in their ability to search for jobs, present themselves professionally, and understand employer expectations. The skills learned are transferable to any career path, making this award a crucial stepping stone for further education, apprenticeships, or direct entry into the workforce.
Within the wider subject of Employability & Work Skills, this award sits alongside other Laser Level 1 qualifications that cover personal development, teamwork, and communication. Together, they provide a comprehensive foundation for lifelong career success. The Extended Award requires students to complete a series of mandatory and optional units, each focusing on a specific aspect of getting into employment, such as creating a CV, completing application forms, and understanding workplace rights and responsibilities.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Job search strategies: Understanding how to identify suitable job vacancies using online job boards, company websites, recruitment agencies, and networking. Students learn to match their skills and interests to job requirements.
- →Application documents: Creating a professional CV and cover letter that highlight relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Emphasis is on tailoring applications to specific job roles and using action verbs.
- →Interview preparation: Researching the employer and role, practising common interview questions, using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure answers, and understanding the importance of body language and dress code.
- →Workplace expectations: Knowing the rights and responsibilities of employees and employers, including health and safety, equality and diversity, and professional conduct. This includes understanding employment contracts and payslips.
- →Personal presentation: Developing a positive online presence, including LinkedIn profiles, and understanding how to communicate professionally via email and phone.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Understand the role of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)., Access and contribute to work-based IAG services., Use IAG services to help progression at work., Understand about other specialist services.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for demonstrating an understanding of the purpose of IAG services in supporting career decisions, including the distinction between information, advice, and guidance.
- Credit should be given for evidence of actively accessing IAG services and describing how they contributed to work progression, such as through skills development or identifying training needs.
- Expect learners to identify and differentiate between internal and external specialist services, explaining when and how to refer to them appropriately.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡When completing assignments, use a reflective log or diary to record specific instances of accessing IAG and the outcomes, linking each to progression goals.
- 💡In assessments, clearly label the type of IAG used (information, advice, guidance) and explain the impact on your work, not just the activity.
- 💡Prepare a checklist of local and national specialist services relevant to your sector; showing awareness of these demonstrates broader understanding beyond the workplace.
- 💡For the CV unit, ensure you use a clear, professional layout with consistent formatting. Avoid fancy fonts or colours. Use bullet points to list achievements and quantify them where possible (e.g., 'Increased sales by 10% through customer engagement').
- 💡In the interview unit, practise using the STAR technique for behavioural questions. Examiners look for specific examples that demonstrate your skills, so prepare 3-4 stories from school, work experience, or extracurricular activities.
- 💡When completing application forms, always read the instructions carefully. Some forms require specific information or have word limits. Use keywords from the job description to show you have read and understood the role.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing information (facts/data) with advice (recommendations) and guidance (in-depth support), leading to misapplication of IAG services.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of how IAG was used for progression, instead offering vague statements without evidence.
- Assuming that all IAG is provided internally, overlooking the need for specialist external services such as career counselling or mental health support.
- Misconception: 'I don't need a CV because I have no work experience.' Correction: Even without paid work, you can include volunteering, school projects, hobbies, and transferable skills like teamwork and communication. Employers value potential and willingness to learn.
- Misconception: 'Interviews are just about answering questions correctly.' Correction: Interviews also assess your enthusiasm, cultural fit, and ability to ask thoughtful questions. Non-verbal communication, such as eye contact and posture, is equally important.
- Misconception: 'Once I send my application, the work is done.' Correction: Follow-up is key. Sending a polite thank-you email after an interview or checking the status of your application shows initiative and professionalism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for LASER LEARNING AWARDS Contribute to and Make Use of Information, Advice and Guidance
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic literacy and numeracy skills at Entry Level 3 or above, as you will need to read job adverts and complete application forms.
- •An understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses, as this award involves self-reflection and identifying areas for development.
- •Familiarity with using a computer and the internet for job searching and creating documents.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Understand the role of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG)., Access and contribute to work-based IAG services., Use IAG services to help progression at work., Understand about other specialist services.
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