Pathways to Planning Graduate Planner/Graduate Planner

Main Duties

Pathways to Planning is a graduate scheme for the next generation of planners, fast-tracking the careers of talented individuals from any degree background in an exciting, rewarding career.

What is planning? Behind every community lies built and natural environments which shape the way we live our lives. Who determines how our homes are built, our cities structured, our green spaces maintained, and our local areas linked together? Whether it’s our commute to work or our ability to cope with climate change, this is the mandate of a planner.

Planners shape communities and protect the environment, providing a sense of place for people today and in the future.

Pathways to Planning exists to find and upskill graduates who may not have been aware of what a career in planning offers, but who have the core competencies necessary to succeed as a planner.

Employed on a three-year fixed-term contract, trainees will work for a council and gain varied work experience across different specialties within planning departments. They will be mentored by more senior members of staff within the planning department and supported through an introduction to Planning course provided by the Pathways to Planning team. Graduates will undertake a fully funded master’s degree through a master’s course or level 7 apprenticeship in planning with the support of their employing council. Once trainees have finished their study, they are on track to become fully accredited planners and then able to progress into more senior roles. Council planning teams have excellent career progression routes, and a vested interest in seeing their Pathways graduates succeed.

Skills and Experience Required

About you

Pathways to Planning recruits graduates from all backgrounds, universities, and degree disciplines; our aim is to reflect the diverse communities that councils serve. We are looking for people who have the right values and attitudes and who can demonstrate their motivation for a career in planning within the public sector.

Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their understanding of our competencies which are as follows:

• Working effectively together – The ability to collaborate with a variety of individuals and organisations in a way that demonstrates an understanding of diversity, political sensitivity, and emotional intelligence. Meets and manages expectations to deliver outcomes through positive working relationships
• Effective communication – The ability to communicate clearly and openly both orally and in writing. Actively listens and balances diverse perspectives in order to articulate opinions and evidence with purpose. Selects the most appropriate communication channel to suit the intended audience.
• Planning and organisation – The ability to manage time and prioritise workload effectively to achieve objectives and see things through to completion. Swiftly adjusts approach to address emerging needs and changing situations, priorities, and landscapes.
• Analysis and problem solving – The ability to accurately identify, analyse and interpret complex information from a wide range of sources to understand problems, draw conclusions and deliver well-informed solutions.
• Commitment to local government and the wider community – Has an understanding of local government and the context in which it operates. Demonstrates a passion and commitment towards serving and supporting the needs and interests of the local community to bring about meaningful, long-term, sustainable impacts.
• Leadership – Ability to take charge and assume responsibility for driving tasks and projects forward. Challenges the status quo and leads by example, developing and motivating others to achieve shared objectives through personal accountability and a commitment to excellence.
• Motivation for learning and continuous professional development – Demonstrates a passion for personal growth. Seeks out opportunities to acquire and apply new knowledge about processes, policies, national and international contexts, and legislations
• Personal resilience – Maintains a solutions-focused mindset when things don’t go according to plan. Is able to respond effectively and adapt and grow in the face of change or challenge.

To apply, candidates will need to have a 2.1 undergraduate degree in any subject by Summer 2024, and will be required to have the entitlement to work in the UK.

Pathways to Planning is unable to apply to sponsor visas for candidates. If any applicants have the right to work in the UK but would be considered an international student for the purposes of postgraduate study, they may be liable for the additional cost of course fees (i.e., any cost above UK domestic student fees).