Graduate Planning Apprenticeship

Derbyshire Dales District Council

Derbyshire (DE4 3NN)

Closes in 14 days (Sunday 22 June 2025)

Posted on 6 June 2025

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Summary

The overall aim of the Graduate Planning Trainee Programme is to enable post holders to learn about the services delivered by the District Council whilst developing knowledge and skills through hands on experience as well as completing an MSc in Urban Planning.

Wage

£25,500 a year

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£25,500 graduate salary year one £28,000 graduate salary from year two onwards

Training course
Chartered town planner (degree) (level 7)
Hours
Monday to Friday, shifts to be confirmed.

37 hours a week

Start date

Friday 5 September 2025

Duration

3 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

  • The role entails working within the dynamic Development Management team and assisting colleagues with providing planning advice and determining applications for planning and listed building consent
  • Playing an active role in the team, you will develop your skills and knowledge of the planning system in a supportive environment with the dual benefit of attaining academic qualifications at the same time
  • At the end of the two-year training programme, it is anticipated that the Graduate Planning Trainee will successfully complete the MSC in Urban Planning, become employment ready and will be given the opportunity to apply for available permanent employment opportunities within the District Council

Where you'll work

Town Hall
Bank Road
Matlock
Derbyshire
DE4 3NN

Training

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

College or training organisation

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Your training course

Chartered town planner (degree) (level 7)

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What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Undertake research and analysis of information for planning policy formulation and to prepare material for policy, guidelines and advice.  Typically this would include spatial development strategies and statutory development plans, development briefs, design guides, sustainability appraisal, materials for inquiry, advocacy or presentations in public or to councillors or clients. 
  • Implement policies and procedures set out in plans, legislation and related documents.  Typically, this would include statutory development management, the preparation and submission of planning applications, implementation of plans or schemes for matters such as conservation, environmental improvement, economic development or regeneration, infrastructure, minerals or waste.  Site appraisal, feasibility studies and other forms of study preparatory to the submission of a planning application. Planning enforcement, appeals and inquiries. 
  • Produce creative and innovative design strategies, policies and solutions.  Typically, this would include buildings, public realm, landscaping, villages, towns, cities or other parts of the urban and rural environment.
  • Collect data using appropriate systems and software, undertake investigations and research to inform quantitative and qualitative analysis and appraisal.  Weigh evidence and evaluate alternative planning solutions.  Make clear, integrated responses and evidence based decisions.  Demonstrate sound judgement and the ability to balance varying objectives.
  • Engage with and manage stakeholders and customers and build positive, relationships.  Communicate, negotiate, advocate and mediate effectively and respond appropriately to resolve conflict. 
  • Define clear aims and objectives and deliver projects to time and to budget.  Use appropriate information technology.  Lead and manage a process from start to finish and evaluate the outcome identifying actions for improvement and development. 
  • Work in partnership. Network, create and maintain an environment where information is shared.   
  • Communicate clearly in writing and verbally. Negotiate and mediate.  Work independently and as part of a team and lead others.  Manage work and time.  Customer and client care.

Your training plan

  • Chartered town planner (degree) Level 7 (Master's degree)
  • The post holder will complete the MSC in Urban Planning

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths and English (grade C/4 or above)

Degree in:

Any (grade 2:2)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Creative
  • Initiative
  • Non judgemental
  • Patience

About this company

Derbyshire Dales District Council may be a small rural council but what we may lack in size is more than made up by the scale of our corporate ambition and record of achievement. We have a strong ‘One Team, One Council’ culture which recognises the contributions of every individual and nurtures a strong culture of team working across the whole organisation.

http://www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

At the end of the training programme, it is anticipated that the Graduate Planning Trainee will successfully complete the MSC in Urban Planning, become employment ready and will be given the opportunity to apply for available permanent employment opportunities within the District Council.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Derbyshire Dales District Council

Lis Hudson

elisabeth.hudson@derbyshiredales.gov.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000324848.

Apply now

Closes in 14 days (Sunday 22 June 2025)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.