Graduate planner Review

by Savills

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

8.6/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

A huge variety of work as a planning consultant. Assisting others in my team to complete projects including: writing and managing planning applications; local authority plan monitoring; liaising with clients, councils and expert professionals; producing specialised reports etc.

9/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

Communication & teamworking: including within the planning team but also across different teams including with clients, professional experts, councils etc. Also different methods of communication including email, telephone, face-to-face, written reports, meetings etc. Time management & organisation: learning how to best balance and prioritise the variety of jobs and work. Creativity & problem solving: to overcome challenges.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

Very kind, friendly, knowledgable, professional and welcoming team. Supportive company culture including several training options and plenty of routes through which to raise concerns. Work can be tedious on occasion, but rarely as my team has such a wide variety of work. Sometimes you may have to work overtime but this is not expected of you on the whole.

8/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

Well organised with dedicated Savills employees whose focus is to manage aspects of your training. Several training events and webinars dedicated to graduates. Supportive mentor assigned from day 1. Every Thursday I have a university day in which I attend lectures in London. Occasionally it can be challenging when members of my team forget I am not in the office on this day.

9/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Savills as a whole: plenty. Dedicated training events & webinars including opportunities to network with other graduate apprentices. My team: on the whole very supportive when I have issues which arise. Not had any problems in regards to lack of support for my university work or Thursday day release.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Attend lectures every week and lecturers are knowledgable. Termly meetings with a apprenticeship coordinator to assess progress. In terms of administration and organisation, the processes at LSBU are poor. I received a 'welcome to the course' email 3 months after I had begun attending lectures.

6/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

Lecture topics are directly relevant to the work I undertake on a daily basis. It is very useful being able to apply theory in practise.

10/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

External and internal professional networking events, including dedicated graduate networking days. Many social events organised by Savills although these are largely based in London. Occasional ad hoc socials with my office team.

9/10

9a. Would you recommend Savills to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

A great launch pad, offering a variety of opportunities and plenty of knowledgeable colleagues to help you progress. High expectations lead you to forming good habits. Well respected company for a reason.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Savills?

Ask lots of questions! It shows that you are keen and willing to learn. You aren't expected to know everything from the outset.