Town Planning Apprentice

Summary

We are seeking a Planning Apprentice to join our Ringwood head office as part of a Level 4 Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship. This role combines structured academic learning with practical, hands-on experience, providing an excellent introduction to the planning profession and the development industry.

Wage

£26,000 a year

Training course

Town planning assistant (level 4)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

2 years

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• Assist with reviewing local and national planning policy documents and guidance
• Support the preparation and submission of planning applications and appeals
• Assist in drafting planning statements and supporting documentation
• Carry out planning research and data gathering
• Support site appraisals, development assessments, and feasibility studies
• Help maintain planning application records and project trackers
• Assist with communication with local planning authorities and external consultants
• Attend site visits, planning meetings, and public consultation events where appropriate
• Provide general administrative support to the Planning team

Where you'll work

1 Embankment Way
Ringwood
BH24 1EU

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

JGA LIMITED

Training course

Town planning assistant (level 4)

What you'll learn

• Data analysis: Research, collate and compare data relating to development proposals, applications and other planning considerations
• Policy analysis: Apply legislation, local and national policy and regulations to projects and casework
• Site analysis: Take and edit site photographs correctly, and take site visit notes accurately
• Report writing: Write reports and summaries and prepare initial documentation for planning proposals and policy representations
• Communication: Communicate effectively with members of the public, clients and other stakeholders. Respond to queries in writing and verbally. Use community engagement techniques to encourage participation in the planning system.
• Casework: Process own casework of projects including checking planning documentation for completeness and taking action in response to missing documentation
• Data monitoring: Consult, create and where necessary maintain records on relevant planning registers
• Mapping: Create accurate drawings, maps and digital illustrations. Interpret drawings and maps, and use appropriate mapping tools
• Presentation – internal: Discuss and present planning information, documentation and findings to colleagues
• Presentation – external: Prepare and deliver presentations to external audiences e.g. members of the public or other community or professional stakeholders
• Administration: Provide administrative support to line managers and peers. Keep an accurate record of meetings. Use appropriate case management systems.
• Data analysis: Research, collate and compare data relating to development proposals, applications and other planning considerations
• Policy analysis: Apply legislation, local and national policy and regulations to projects and casework
• Site analysis: Take and edit site photographs correctly, and take site visit notes accurately
• Report writing: Write reports and summaries and prepare initial documentation for planning proposals and policy representations
• Communication: Communicate effectively with members of the public, clients and other stakeholders. Respond to queries in writing and verbally. Use community engagement techniques to encourage participation in the planning system.
• Casework: Process own casework of projects including checking planning documentation for completeness and taking action in response to missing documentation
• Data monitoring: Consult, create and where necessary maintain records on relevant planning registers
• Mapping: Create accurate drawings, maps and digital illustrations. Interpret drawings and maps, and use appropriate mapping tools
• Presentation – internal: Discuss and present planning information, documentation and findings to colleagues
• Presentation – external: Prepare and deliver presentations to external audiences e.g. members of the public or other community or professional stakeholders
• Administration: Provide administrative support to line managers and peers. Keep an accurate record of meetings. Use appropriate case management systems.

Training schedule

You will work towards the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required under the Level 4 Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship standard, including:

• Introduction to the UK planning system and planning process
• Understanding of local and national planning policy
• Basics of sustainable development and placemaking
• Awareness of planning legislation and development management
• Professional standards and workplace practices

More training information

You will receive structured mentoring and support throughout the apprenticeship programme to help you develop your planning knowledge and practical experience

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4/C or above)
• Maths (grade 4/C or above)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Geography or built environment-related studies (grade Pass)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working

Other requirements

• Full UK Driving License