New Joint Campaign to Attract Future Planning Professionals

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has teamed up with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Belfast City Council, Belfast Metropolitan College and the Department for Infrastructure to launch a new recruitment campaign aimed at attracting future talent into the planning sector.

The joint initiative will promote the Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Planning - a unique opportunity to “earn while you learn” and gain hands-on experience in local government while studying for a recognised qualification.

The programme is designed to give participants the best of both worlds: a full salary while studying for a foundation degree, with no tuition fees and no student debt. Apprentices will learn directly from experienced planning professionals within their council’s Planning Team, gaining invaluable real-world experience in how places and communities are shaped. At the same time, they will complete an FdSc in Property, Housing and Planning at Belfast Metropolitan College, with an opportunity for progression to Ulster University’s BSc in Planning, Regeneration and Development.

Open to school leavers, career changers and anyone with an interest in the built environment, the HLA provides an accessible pathway into a rewarding profession. It has been developed as a response to the challenges councils face in recruiting and retaining planning staff and aims to strengthen local skills, attract new professionals and create future leaders in the planning sector.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, "Planning is about shaping the places where we live, work and grow, it plays a vital role in the future of our communities. This apprenticeship offers a fantastic route into a rewarding profession, giving people the chance to gain qualifications, knowledge and experience without the worry of student debt. I encourage anyone with an interest in the built environment to consider applying and becoming part of this exciting initiative.”

Belfast Metropolitan College Interim Principal and CEO, Damian Duffy said, "We are delighted to work in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council; Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Belfast City Council and the Department for Infrastructure on this innovative Higher Level Apprenticeship. The programme gives participants the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification while developing the skills and experience that employers need. By combining academic study with practical, hands-on learning, this apprenticeship creates a clear pathway into a professional career in planning, regeneration and development. We are proud to play our part in supporting the next generation of planning professionals who will help shape Northern Ireland’s communities for years to come.”

Applications for the HLA in Planning open on Friday 7 November and close on Friday 21 November. One apprenticeship position will be available in each of the four participating councils: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Belfast City Council.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.newrymournedown.getgotjobs.co.uk/home