Government careers advisers offer job seekers a short course in tarot card reading

Ideal for anyone who sees no future in the business world. The government’s National Careers Service offers job seekers the chance to train as tarot card readers.

The service, run by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), offers a range of short online courses, including a tarot card reading certificate.

The ten-hour course will equip participants with the skills necessary to ‘make a career in tarot card reading’ or ‘offer comfort to loved ones in times of need.’

It includes chapters on the history of tarot card reading, the meaning behind individual cards in the ‘Suit of Cups’ and ‘how to choose the ideal spread to suit individual concerns’.

MPs last night criticized the National Careers Service (NCS) for recommending courses they say are not designed to give job seekers valid employment skills.

Reform MP Lee Anderson said: ‘This is great news for job seekers who have no intention of ever finding a job.

‘Some might apply for tarot card reading certification to see which of their working friends is happy to have their hard-earned taxes spent on this nonsense.’

Founded in 2012, NCS provides free careers advice and help to anyone aged 13 and over.

A ten-hour course called ‘colour therapy’ shows trainees how colors can be used to ‘treat diseases’ and ‘balance energies in the body’.

Conservative MP Joy Morrissey, a member of the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee, said: ‘Is this the most appropriate way to help people get back into the job market? I don’t think so…’

A spokesperson for Shaw Trust said: ‘As one of the NCS providers, we try to match people with opportunities they are interested in and that could lead to a real job for them.’

A DWP spokesman said: ‘Providers are only paid when students complete a genuine and recognized Ofqual approved qualification or learning accredited by an established professional body.’