The government has approved the first degree-level apprenticeships for town planners, which will combine a mixture of academic education and practical experience
The first degree-level apprenticeship to train Chartered Town Planners will mean employers in England are able to recruit candidates immediately to start the programme this autumn, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has announced today (5 March).
The Level 7 Chartered Town Planner degree apprenticeship is a new route into the profession that combines academic education with practical experience to equip future employees with vital skills as well as a degree.
Under this scheme, developed by the Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship Trailblazer Employer Group with the RTPI, apprentices will be able to earn a wage from an employer while completing a planning qualification at an RTPI-accredited Planning School and gaining RTPI Chartered Town Planner status.
Existing graduates or employees with no planning qualifications may be eligible.
Anne Milton, Apprenticeships and Skills minister said: “I am thrilled that the first degree level apprenticeship for town planners is getting off the ground. This is a fantastic opportunity to encourage more people to pursue an exciting career and make a real difference in their local communities.
“We have transformed the apprenticeship system in this country and it’s great to see leading employers and universities working together to make sure people receive high quality training to help support the country’s housing needs.
“I look forward to hearing more about their work and wish people starting their career in town planning the best of luck.”
Victoria Hills, RTPI chief executive added: “I am delighted that we can finally boost the training of planners that the country so desperately needs, and make this exciting profession accessible to many more people who might not have considered it before.
“The fact that we have successfully embedded our tried and tested route of assessment for Chartered membership in the degree apprenticeship testifies to the RTPI’s role and expertise in assessing professional competence, and is especially timely as we prepare to celebrate 60 years of our Royal Charter.”
Apprentices will attain the status of Chartered Town Planner when they pass the End Point Assessment.
