Apprentice Town Planner Review

My role involves providing support throughout the various stages of development management in relation to major infrastructure projects. My responsibilities include advising on site assessments by identifying planning constraints, preparing applications for planning permission by coordinating input from technical specialists and drafting documents such as planning statements, and liaising with stakeholders.

Yes, I have developed skills in project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder management and communication.

I enjoy working on projects that contribute to a more sustainable future, while working with knowledgeable and supportive colleagues.

The teaching provided by the university would benefit from further refinement, especially the structure of the second year, but it contained valuable modules. The second stage (i.e. chartership) is to some degree dependent on having the right kind of work opportunities at the right time, and having fewer restrictions on the timing of eligible work experience would help mitigate this uncertainty.

There is a wide range of resources provided by my employer to support my development, including dedicated line managers, a mentor, a wider range of colleagues who are always very helpful, as well as a platform for apprentices.

Beyond delivering weekly lectures, module leaders were usually available to answer questions, discuss assignments and provide feedback on early drafts.

The first year provided a helpful overview of the different aspects of planning (e.g. planning law and urban design). There might be scope to offer more modules in the second year and expand more on each topic and/or specialise in a certain area.

There are various employee networks and groups organising events around professional development, social activities, sports, fundraising etc.

Yes

Jacobs has been a great place to start my career, where I have met knowledgeable, friendly and supportive colleagues. There is a wide range of projects and teams, providing plenty of opportunities to gain exposure to different challenges and develop different skills.

If you are interested in a role, reach out to people working in those roles and the wider team to find out what their work is like day to day and ask any questions you might have.