Pathways to Planning is a graduate programme intended to attract a diverse group of individuals to fast track their career in the built environment as a local government (LG) planner or surveyor, with applications open to 6 January 2026.
?Pathways to Planning writes:
As a graduate on the Pathways scheme, you will work full time as part of a local council, earning a salary of at least £25,000. During this time, you’ll learn on the job through varied work experience and by studying part-time on an accredited master’s degree or equivalent. Most of our graduate planners will study an RTPI accredited part-time master’s degree in Planning, while most of our graduate surveyors will study a RICS accredited Surveying or Construction Project Management qualification. A small number of councils will offer an accredited degree in a specialist area, such as ecology or architecture, if the role they are offering on the programme is focused on this area. Your employer will help select and support your application to an appropriate course once you have secured a place on the programme, and you’ll have paid time off work to study. ?
Local councils are deeply committed to identifying and nurturing the next generation of talent to deliver sustainable local plans, prepare for climate change, provide affordable housing and manage the ongoing development of their communities.?The public sector is a critical stakeholder in managing our built and natural environments, and it needs a workforce with cross-cutting skills, adaptive knowledge and a commitment to public service.
About you??
Pathways to Planning is looking for graduates from any degree background, including those with no prior knowledge or experience of planning, surveying or local government. The programme will measure your fit with a career in the built environment through a carefully designed application process that you’ll find outlined on our website. You can learn about the careers within planning and surveying as you progress through the application process, and have the ability to select which stream of our programme is your best fit after a broader introduction to the sector. Resources are available on our website to help you prepare for assessments: please make use of these to give yourself the best chance of success.??
The requirements??
Pathways to Planning?welcomes graduates from all backgrounds and areas of study. Our only requirements are:??
- A minimum 2.1 undergraduate degree by August 2026
- You must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme (at least three years from 1 September 2026). Councils set the contract length for their roles, with the programme requiring that they offer a minimum of two years. Some councils will offer a three year contract if their role is linked to a vacancy or an apprenticeship course. For this reason, all candidates must show they have the right to work in the UK for at least three years. Unfortunately, Pathways to Planning and our partner councils are not able to sponsor visas.
- If you have the right to work in the UK but would be considered an international student for the purposes of postgraduate study, you will be liable for the additional cost of course fees (i.e., any cost above UK domestic student fees).
- This programme is not suitable for graduates who already have a relevant Master’s degree or substantive work experience in the field, as it aims to expand the talent pipeline of graduates entering the profession rather than upskill those already on a career journey. Our application form will provide more detail on which accredited bodies are considered relevant. Please also note that you will not be eligible to interview for a role if the qualification offered is accredited by a body in which you already hold, or are currently studying towards.
For more information on eligibility and right to work requirements please visit our website or email planning.support@local.gov.uk. ???The Pathways to Planning application process will measure a set of eight competencies that have been developed for this programme to measure applicants’ potential.
- Working Effectively Together.
Works collaboratively with a diverse range of individuals, teams, and organisations to meet shared objectives. Builds effective working relationships, demonstrating political sensitivity, cultural awareness, and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. - Effective Communication
Effectively articulates information both orally and in writing with clarity and purpose to meet the needs of the audience. Actively listens to different perspectives, integrating evidence and insight to deliver balanced, well informed messages. - Planning and Organisation
Proactively manages own workload to ensure successful delivery of outcomes. Can effectively balance multiple tasks and projects, demonstrating flexibility to adjust to changing priorities and circumstances. - Analysis and Interpretation
Accurately analyses complex technical and non-technical information to gain insight, assess options, and develop practical solutions. Assimilates and integrates information from multiple sources to draw conclusions and deliver evidence-based solutions. - Commitment to Local Government and the Wider Community
Is passionate and enthusiastic about serving and supporting the needs and interests of the local community and achieving meaningful, sustainable impact through the work. Recognises the broader political/economic landscape on local and national initiatives within the built environment and how own actions can have a positive impact. - Leadership Potential
Takes personal responsibility and ownership to independently drive projects forwards. Demonstrates initiative and accountability of tasks. Leads by example through their commitment to excellence, whilst providing support and leadership to others. - Motivation for Learning and Continuous Professional Development
Proactively seeks out opportunities to learn and develop, both formally and informally. Values continuous learning, development and self-improvement. Is motivated to understand the different processes, policies, contexts and legislations relevant to a career within the built environment. - Resiliency and Adaptability
Demonstrates a positive, solution focused approach when faced with challenges, setbacks or uncertainty. Remains resilient in the face of adversity, demonstrating adaptability, perseverance, and a willingness to identify opportunities for learning and growth.
