Please note there are different apprenticeship systems in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. This page has information about apprenticeships in England. If you are interested in apprenticeships in the other nations, you can find out more:
Apprenticeships are a great way to grow and develop a talented workforce and there are two RTPI apprenticeship options:
- Chartered Town Planner - this is degree level and on completion confers professional membership.
- Town Planning Assistant for a first step in a career in planning.
Chartered Town Planner apprenticeship
The Chartered Town Planner degree apprenticeship enables an apprentice to study for a fully-accredited qualification and undertake work based learning to become a Chartered Town Planner. It can take between 3 and 6 years depending on your entry qualifications and experience. Employers can find out more about recruiting and supporting a Chartered Town Planner apprentice in our Chartered Town Planner Apprenticeship Employer handbook.
Town Planning Assistant apprenticeship
The Town Planning Assistant apprenticeship is designed for those who would either like to embark on a career in town planning from school or college, or those currently working in support roles in the profession who would like to gain a first qualification that recognises their skills. It can open up new career paths into full planning positions in due course.
Town Planning Assistants may work in local authorities, small consultancies, large multi-disciplinary consultancies, central government or other organisations undertaking planning work. As the government-approved standard explains typical job titles can include assistant town planner, planning assistant, planning support officer, technical support officer.
Individuals undertaking this work would be first involved in providing technical and administrative support to Chartered Town Planners to deliver new developments and to shape and create sustainable places for the benefit of the public.
This is a standalone qualification, but it could also enable successful participants, with employer support, to progress onto the Chartered Town Planner degree apprenticeship programme, or an employer funded postgraduate programme.
Next steps
Once you know you want to employ an apprentice your next step should be to contact a training provider. They can work with you to agree timings, delivery modes and costs. They can also assist in advertising, interviewing and shortlisting candidates.
Background information:
- Chartered Town Planner degree apprenticeship standard
- Town Planning Assistant apprenticeship standard
- Government guidance on the Apprenticeship Levy
Selection of apprenticeship employers:
