Regeneration and Planning Apprentice Review

The nature of working in regeneration is that the job title covers a broad range of tasks. I'm Involved in a number of projects, ranging from conducting evidence base reviews of areas within the borough, working on different aspects of council regeneration sites being delivered, characterisation studies, retail studies, vacancy checks and more.

Having previously worked in the private sector for a year as a graduate planner, this apprenticeship has allowed me to develop existing skills and has provided me with a much more detailed explanation of the planning system, particularly the public sectors role. Experiences from work have helped with my studies with my colleagues always happy to discuss and help with any planning/regeneration questions. I have developed competence on software such as adobe illustrator and sketchup.

There are times when work is slow and the range of things I do can be limited. However I think that this is just the natural flow of the industry. Currently I have lots of interesting projects on the go and am really enjoying work. The company culture is very relaxed and flexible is very important whilst studying part time. I enjoy working at Kingston, my colleagues are friendly and always prepared to help with any work or academic questions. The university course started with some teething problems in the first semester, but these have been ironed out. I have particularly enjoyed the urban design model as this was something I had not done before, and feel that I developed new skills.

I have regular mentoring sessions and 1-2-1 with my line manager/mentor. We discuss my workload and the learning outcomes. He is very supportive and we always review what training options are available (internal and externally) and is happy to let me go to training events in work hours. I have been given adequate support for my studies, my workload is reduced closer to deadlines, and he is always happy to help with any questions and queries related to coursework.

I very much supported from my employer. HR were quick to act when we initially raised teething problems on the course. HR spoke to the university about are concerns and I feel that London South Bank responded appropriately to our concerns. As discussed above my manger has been very supportive of my studies.

There is no traditional tutor as LSBU to discuss things with. This has been problematic as it is hard to know who to raise issues with as there seems to be poor organisational structure at LSBU. There has been troubles access the DDA department in person as I'm only in on thursday, however this was overcome by phone meetings and emails. Some aspects of the course could be provide more practical skills, as the course if predominantly theory based, some of what I have learnt/been assessed in will provide no benefit or use in my career.

Some aspects of lectures have been used on a-day-to-day basis in my role. For example urban analysis, assessing site constraints, and some aspects of urban design, taught in the place making model have been useful. The Planning Politics and Theory is more academic and theoretical, but has allowed me to develop critical thinking skills and highlighted the importance of including everyone in the planning process. I do feel that I know more from about planning from my course

There are some afterwork activities such as drinks and team lunches. There are sports teams but i chose not to participate as I live far away from work. Work are happy for me to attend courses and networking events in work hours. I'm disappointed by the lack of sports teams and societies at LSBU.

Yes

Great location, lots of things to do at lunchtime and afterwork. Very flexible and relaxed work culture which is vital for studying part time. Supportive organisation in terms of studies, as discussed above. Agile-working hours is a great perk and makes travel to work less stressful, which is particularly useful as i live 90 mins away from work.

In application process take time to read public documents of projects and local plan policy. Relate application to job criteria. Interview was a straight forward interview, based off cv and personal statement. However for other job interviews they often get interviews to do a task, such as flash card presentation. Great place to work and excellent opportunity for anyone starting out there career in planning or regeneration.