What do Planning Officers do?
Town planning is about shaping the places where we live, work and play. It is a profession that decides how land should be used or protected.
Planners make decisions on where new homes, roads, schools, shops and all the other things that we need to live, and work should be built. At the same time, town planners try to make towns, cities and the countryside attractive, safe and environmentally friendly.
Planning is a broad profession. Some planners choose to specialise in areas such as transport, energy or conservation. Planners work for a range of different organisations from local councils to planning consultancies, charities like the National Trust and in education.
What can I expect to earn?
Starting salaries are usually between £18,000 and £25,000 per year, increasing with experience. 58% of planners earn £35,000 per year or more, and 25% of Chartered Town Planners earn £55,000 per year or more.
What subjects should I study?
Useful subjects to study include art/design, business studies, economics, English, geography, history, ICT, science, politics and psychology.
How can I start my career?
To become a Chartered Town Planner, you will need to complete a degree accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute. Several universities around the country offer this type of degree course. If you have already completed a degree in an unrelated subject, it is also possible to do an accredited postgraduate qualification in planning.
Another option is to do a chartered town planner apprenticeship or town planning assistant apprenticeship, an entry level route designed for people who are either looking to start their career in town planning, or who are currently working in support roles in planning and looking to ‘upskill’ and open up new career paths.
90% of planning students find employment within 6 months of graduating and it is the 3rd most employable degree subject.
To find local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a planning officer, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.
Details of relevant degree courses can be found on the UCAS website.
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