Pathways to Planning Programme - Graduate Trainee
About the job
Pathways to Planning is a fast-track route into a built environment career for graduates from any degree background. Successful candidates work at a public sector body such as a local council, earn a salary, and get a fully-funded master's degree. Tackle global issues like climate change, accessibility and affordable housing. No work experience or knowledge is needed, just a desire to learn and make a difference!
What is the role?
Employed on a minimum two-year fixed-term contract, you will work for a public body such as a local council, gaining varied work experience as you go. You will be mentored by more senior members of staff and supported through introductory learning provided by the Pathways to Planning team.
Graduates will undertake a fully funded master's degree in order to accelerate their learning, with the support of their employer. Once graduates have finished their postgraduate study, they are on track to become fully accredited planners, surveyors, and built environment professionals, and then able to progress into more senior roles. Our partner councils and employers have excellent career progression routes, and a vested interest in seeing their Pathways graduates succeed.
Where will I be based?
- The scheme will work with local councils across England, who will hire graduates as part of the programme and support their career development as accredited professionals.
Why should you apply?
- Fully-funded master's degree (study part-time over two years)
- £25-35,000 salary
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Flexible working arrangements
- Mentoring
- Paid time off work to study
How do you apply?
Pathways to Planning recruits graduates from all backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines. This programme is open to graduates from all degree backgrounds with a completed minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) by Summer 2026.
Industry
Local Government, Public Sector, Built Environment
Employment Type
Full-time
Sectors
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About the job
Pathways to Planning is a fast-track route into a built environment career for graduates from any degree background. Successful candidates work at a public sector body such as a local council, earn a salary, and get a fully-funded master's degree. Tackle global issues like climate change, accessibility and affordable housing. No work experience or knowledge is needed, just a desire to learn and make a difference!
What is the role?
Employed on a minimum two-year fixed-term contract, you will work for a public body such as a local council, gaining varied work experience as you go. You will be mentored by more senior members of staff and supported through introductory learning provided by the Pathways to Planning team.
Graduates will undertake a fully funded master's degree in order to accelerate their learning, with the support of their employer. Once graduates have finished their postgraduate study, they are on track to become fully accredited planners, surveyors, and built environment professionals, and then able to progress into more senior roles. Our partner councils and employers have excellent career progression routes, and a vested interest in seeing their Pathways graduates succeed.
Where will I be based?
- The scheme will work with local councils across England, who will hire graduates as part of the programme and support their career development as accredited professionals.
Why should you apply?
- Fully-funded master's degree (study part-time over two years)
- £25-35,000 salary
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Flexible working arrangements
- Mentoring
- Paid time off work to study
How do you apply?
Pathways to Planning recruits graduates from all backgrounds, universities and degree disciplines. This programme is open to graduates from all degree backgrounds with a completed minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) by Summer 2026.
Industry
Local Government, Public Sector, Built Environment
Employment Type
Full-time
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London, Reading, Manchester, Bristol, Gloucester, Leatherhead, Chippenham

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