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- Tasks: Become a local government planner while gaining hands-on experience and learning on the job.
- Company: Join a supportive local council dedicated to community development and environmental design.
- Benefits: Fully-funded master’s degree, competitive salary, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while advancing your career as an accredited planner.
- Qualifications: Open to all graduates with a minimum 2.1 degree by Summer 2026.
- Other info: Enjoy mentoring and excellent career progression opportunities in the public sector.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
Pathways to Planning is a graduate programme, which aims to discover graduates from all degree backgrounds with a passion for helping communities and designing built and natural environments, to become local government planners.
Employed on a minimum two-year contract, Pathways graduates work for a local council, gaining varied work experience and learning on the job. They receive mentoring by more senior members of staff and are supported through introductory learning to introduce them to their field. Graduates will undertake a fully funded master’s in a relevant subject, with the support of their employer. Once graduates have finished their postgraduate study, they are on track to become fully accredited planners and progress into more senior roles. Our councils have excellent career progression routes, and a vested interest in seeing their Pathways graduates succeed.
The scheme works with local councils and public sector bodies across England, who hire graduates as part of the programme and support their career development as accredited professionals.
Why should you apply?
- Fully-funded master’s degree – graduates study part-time, attending university usually once a week
- £25-35,000 starting salary (including London weighting if applicable)
- Minimum two-year full-time work contract
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Flexible working arrangements
- Mentoring
- Paid time off work to study
Pathways to Planning recruits graduates from all backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines. The programme is open to graduates from all degree backgrounds with a minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) completed by Summer 2026. Applications are now open, click Apply Now below!
Pathways to Planning Programme - Graduate Trainee employer: Graduate Recruitment Bureau - GRB
Contact Detail:
Graduate Recruitment Bureau - GRB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pathways to Planning Programme - Graduate Trainee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past participants of the Pathways to Planning programme on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any insider tips they might have. This can give you a leg up when it comes to understanding what the councils are really looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching the local councils you're interested in. Know their projects, challenges, and how you can contribute. This shows your passion for helping communities and designing environments, which is exactly what they're after!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but don’t sound rehearsed. We want you to be authentic! Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Pathways to Planning Programme - Graduate Trainee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping communities and your interest in planning. We want to see that spark in your application, so don’t hold back on sharing why this programme excites you!
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role. We’re looking for graduates from all backgrounds, so showcase any projects or roles that demonstrate your commitment to community and environment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us your story. Use it to connect your background to the role and explain how you can contribute to local councils. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to get to know you!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Graduate Recruitment Bureau - GRB
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a local government planner and the Pathways to Planning programme. Brush up on current issues in urban planning and community development, as well as the specific council you’re applying to. This shows your genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about helping communities and designing environments. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your passion for these areas. Whether it’s a project from university or volunteer work, make it personal and relatable.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the mentoring process, the types of projects you might work on, or how the council measures success in their planning initiatives. It shows you’re engaged and thinking ahead.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common interview questions. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. The more you practice, the more natural it will feel when it’s time for the real deal!