Feedback from young people who participated in the RTPI work experience programme found that the number of participants considering a career in planning increased from 43% before the programme to 76% after completing it.
The RTPI’s work experience programme places 16-18-year-olds with Chartered Planners and the organisations they work with at a crucial stage in their lives, when they are making important decisions about their futures.
The Institute’s new secondary school work experience toolkit for employers outlines how planners can play a vital role in shaping both the future of young people and the planning profession.
The RTPI has so far placed over 200 students within work experienced programmes under Chartered Planners aiming to create a more diverse planning profession that reflects the communities it serves.
The RTPI has partnered with organisations such as Lambeth Council and Pegasus Group to provide these valuable opportunities.
Participants from schools such as Dunraven School, St Malachy’s College, and Chobham Academy have shared positive feedback about their experiences, with many expressing newfound interest in planning and urban design careers.
One student noted, “I would definitely consider a career in town planning after my work experience because everybody made me feel welcome.”
With only around 5% of Chartered Planners from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds, The RTPI is working to encourage more young people from diverse backgrounds to enter the profession.
Machel Bogues, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity Manager at the RTPI, said: “We are committed to creating a planning profession that is as diverse as the communities it serves. To achieve this, we need to ensure that talented young people are consistently choosing to become planners.
“Offering work experience to young people who may not have considered a career in Chartered Planning not only benefits them but also helps diversify the future workforce. It energises organisations with fresh perspectives and provides valuable development opportunities for their staff. We’re calling on Chartered Planners and their workplaces to host work experience placements and help change the future.”
