Equipping graduates to become the next generation of local government planners.
Apply to join the Pathways to Planning graduate scheme via the button below:
What is planning? Think of the world around you: the buildings, roads and green spaces that together create the cities, towns and villages we call home. Planning is the process of envisioning, guiding, and regulating the use of land and resources to achieve sustainable development. If you want to play a key role in creating safe, inclusive and beautiful public spaces that promote well-being for people and the environment, planning is the perfect career for you. By deciding what is built, how it is built, and who it is built for, planners deliver real social, economic and environmental change for generations.
Our graduate scheme, Pathways to Planning, will equip talented individuals to fast track their career as a planner in local government.
What do we offer?
- A full time job. Graduates will work full time in a local council planning team starting September 2025 and receive a starting salary of £24,000 – £35,000, depending on location. The councils offering roles through the programme will be finalised in spring 2025.
- A fully-funded master’s degree. Councils give paid time off work to study for a fully-funded MA or MSc in Planning. Graduates will attend lectures and seminars for approximately one day per week during term time. They will study on a course chosen by their council: some councils will use a Chartered Town Planner apprenticeship and others will use a part-time master’s degree. Both routes will provide the same qualification.
- A two - three year contract. All Pathways councils will offer a work contract that will match the length of your postgraduate study at a minimum.
- The chance to shape communities for the better. As a graduate planner in local government, you can play an active role in making decisions for your local area from day one, and there are so many different ways your career could progress. Learn more about your career in planning.
We are looking for individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds who want to become the planners of the future, representing and delivering change for their communities. You don't need to have a Planning degree or any work experience, as our application process will measure your natural potential and uncover planners who are made for the job.
Funded by UK Government.