Planning Policy Trainee Review

The role is a civil service position within strategic planning and primarily assists in the creation, delivery and interpretation of planning strategy with the local authority of West Suffolk. Day-to-Day consists of project work, assisting in gathering information to form parts of evidence bases which are used to dictate planning strategy

I have learnt a range of skill, both from general skills such as development of communication skills and general office skills, to technical skills which include the mechanisms for creating a local plan and implementing wider planning development strategies. Development of evidence gathering skills to create databases and interpret data.

The apprenticeship has been very enjoyable. I have developed a wider understanding of the mechanisms used within planning as well as the political nature of planning and how they can be used to achieve different planning goals and functions within the wider UK politics and influences the development of the economy

Usually the delivery of the course has been good, however the move to online learning due to COVID-19 has resulted in some teething issues in delivering the course. It has led to an inconsistent methods of delivering the course which has taken time to get use to and would say has led to some confusion in attendance to lectures.

I have received significant support from my employer which has been really effective. We have a set fortnightly one to one with my line manager and mentor to discuss issues regarding work and study. This has been really useful in providing support and advice to consider and allow me to reflect on how to improve within my role.

Usually the delivery of the course has been good, however the move to online learning due to COVID-19 has resulted in some teething issues in delivering the course. It has led to an inconsistent methods of delivering the course which has taken time to get use to and would say has led to some confusion in attendance to lectures

The qualification has been very beneficial in allowing me to develop a wider understanding of the mechanisms used within planning as well as the political nature of planning and how they can be used to achieve different planning goals and functions within the wider UK politics and influences the development of the economy.

My work place, does not provide many extra curricular activities that have interested me. However, I am not particularly interested in engaging in extra curricular activities at work and therefore, do not seek to engage in extra curricular activities within the workplace. I may be interested in attending activities I am interested in, but it would be reliant on my schedule

Yes

West Suffolk Council is a really interesting place to work, the area has a range of different planning challenges which lead to me completing a diverse range of work which makes the job interesting. The staff are very friendly and genuinely seek to do the best for the residents of West Suffolk, often going out of their way to deliver projects, making it a very fun place to work.

There is no one type of planner at West Suffolk. Planning has such a range of specialisms that it can cater to a range of different personality types and skill sets. It is important to show what you're strengths and interests during the application process as it demonstrates that which parts of planning you would be best suited for.