Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship

Level 4 | Duration: 21 months

This apprenticeship supports those working in planning roles across local authorities, consultancies and government. Town Planning Assistants play a key part in shaping sustainable places by researching sites, preparing planning documents, checking compliance, and helping the public and clients understand the planning process. The role is varied and collaborative, involving both office-based tasks and site visits alongside specialists across the built-environment sector.

Our apprentices learn from experienced practitioners who bring real industry insight and practical coaching, helping learners build confidence and develop the skills needed to contribute effectively to planning teams.

town planning
graphic of person standing on stacked circle

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This apprenticeship is designed for people beginning their career in town planning, whether moving from related roles or entering the sector for the first time. It suits those working in local authorities, consultancies, government teams or organisations involved in development and place-making.

By the end of the apprenticeship, the apprentice will be able to:

  • Interpret planning policy, legislation and local development frameworks.
  • Produce clear written reports and recommendations for use in planning decisions.
  • Use mapping tools and digital systems relevant to the planning process.
  • Engage effectively with communities, stakeholders and elected members.
  • Manage and prioritise their workload professionally and ethically.
  • Contribute to coordinated project delivery alongside multidisciplinary teams.

Typical job titles include: Assistant Town Planner, Enforcement Assistant, Planning Assistant, Planning Support Officer, Planning Technician, Technical Support Officer, Town Planning Assistant and Town Planning Technician.

Completion of the apprenticeship supports professional recognition with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) at Affiliate level.

Hear from our learners

This is such an amazing opportunity and I would like to thank you, my coaches, and my tutor for believing in me. JGA has been nothing but supportive and encouraging of my apprenticeship journey and I do feel that I have grown so much both professionally and personally.

Communications Apprentice

Course content

This apprenticeship is delivered through eight core modules taught via structured online seminars and workshops, supported by regular skills-coaching, facilitated peer to peer round tables and progress reviews. Learners also attend dedicated preparation sessions ahead of each stage of the Apprenticeship Assessment.

Training is reinforced through workplace activities such as mini-projects, case exercises and practical tasks to enable apprentices to apply new knowledge directly to their planning role.

The training element takes around 18 months, followed by a 3 month structured assessment period. Assessment consists of a knowledge test, a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio, and a work-based project.

Janet Court

The course has been developed by Janet Court MRTPI.

After a career in local government town planning and policy, Janet decided to pass her experience on to the next generation via education and training in the UK and Saudi.

Core modules

  • Introduction to town planning, including definition, function, and value of the planning process
  • Key concepts and terminology used in town planning
  • The learner’s organisation’s values, goals and key challenges in planning – exploring how their roles relate to their organisation

  • Health and safety responsibilities in the workplace and on-site
  • Different team types, working styles & impact on others
  • Organisational expectations – how to achieve and exceed them
  • PDPs – their importance and how to create one based on learning and behavioural styles
  • Managing and processing own caseload – use of prioritisation and scheduling
  • Preparation for site work

  • Town and country planning act – regulations, policy & guidance
  • Implications of case law for planning applications and statutory plan-making
  • Conditions, appeals, and enforcement
  • Monitoring compliance and planning appeals

  • Statutory considerations and best practice
  • Role of environmental procedures, sustainability, conservation, and design
  • Wider decision-making and political context in which planners work

  • Identifying the range of organisations involved in the planning process 
  • Stakeholders – identification and engagement methods and techniques 
  • Working with stakeholders and interest groups
  • Consultation and engagement planning and best practices
  • Effective communication 
  • Appropriate use of social media 

  • Understanding and using results from consultations and other data sources
  • Tools and techniques for analysis 
  • How to gather and use feedback 
  • Taking and recording meeting notes 
  • Data handling and storage 
  • Use of case management systems to support the planning process 
  • Checking planning documentation 

  • Overview of project management principles, methodologies and tools 
  • Negotiation factors and methods – the key components of a project plan 

  • Preparation – research of previous developments, land status, appeals and enforcement, policy, consultation, and wider context
  • Assessing the site – measurement, mapping and use of photography and graphics
  • Interpretation – evaluation of data collected
  • Stakeholders – considerations in decision making
  • Making evidence-based recommendations
  • Report writing – how to convey information that is clear and appropriate
  • Effective communication – internal and external presentation preparation and delivery

Our clients include

Logo of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Planning Inspectorate logo
Kent County Council logo
Camden Council logo
Coventry City Council logo

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Get in touch to see how we can help your organisation

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If you are not currently employed and are looking to start an apprenticeship, please search our vacancies page and the national apprenticeships website for suitable roles.

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