Town planning assistant
Level 4 · HigherConstruction and the built environment 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 4 apprenticeship trains town planning assistants to support qualified planners in local authorities or planning consultancies in assessing planning applications, preparing reports, and helping to shape the built environment. Apprentices develop knowledge of planning law, policy, and the development management process. It can lead to progression onto a degree apprenticeship in town planning and membership of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
On the job
What you’ll learn
Planning legislation, national planning policy, and local development frameworks
Development management processes and how planning applications are assessed
Urban design principles and the relationship between planning and place-making
Environmental assessment and heritage considerations in planning
Community engagement and consultation methods in planning
GIS and mapping tools used in planning practice
Report writing and presenting planning recommendations clearly
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Assess planning applications against policy and produce written reports
Research planning history and site constraints for applications
Attend site visits to assess the impact of proposed developments
Engage with applicants, agents, and members of the public
Use GIS to map sites and produce planning drawings
Contribute to local plan preparation and evidence base research
Support senior planners with appeal cases and pre-application advice
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 4 (Higher) - roughly Foundation-degree level. Usually needs Level 3 (A-levels, a T-Level, or an Advanced apprenticeship) or relevant experience.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 5/6 apprenticeship or a more senior role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
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What it’s really like
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