Graduate Planner Review

by Savills

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

7.4/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Providing support on a variety of projects within the South East of England. This includes development of planning appraisals, monitoring of Local Plans, Local Plan representations and assisting with the preparation of planning applications, permitted development schemes and appeals.

10/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

So many. It is non stop learning but as it's on the job is practical and hands on.

9/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I thoroughly enjoy the working side of the job, I have settled in well with my team and everyone is very been helpful with any questions I have had (especially working from home).

9/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

I think there is limited liaison between my line manager and the university. The university are very poor at letting us know what is expected of us and knowing other than assignments what need to be done for example for my APC.

6/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

Plenty- they try to give me some time to get university work done in the work week so I am not concerned about deadlines.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

6 hours of lectures a week. There is more concern regarding the masters and what is expected for the modules but not actually the wider picture at all such a logging apprenticeship hours. I am worried about the limited guidance and support from the University.

4/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

I believe I learn so much more at work than the university modules. On the whole, very little of my uni work supports the day to day job.

5/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

Yes certainly, but due to COVID lockdown it is very limited as working from home. We have team meetings and some office quizzes etc. for some out of work fun but its not really the same due to Lockdown. Hoping things will change.

7/10

9a. Would you recommend Savills to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

Because they really care about their graduates, and we get to work on interesting projects with plenty of responsibility and learn better than any class room.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Savills?

Get work experience to talk about on CV and interviews. Don't apply for London office as very competitive and just be confident.