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To become a town planning officer, you need to be a creative thinker with strong problem-solving and analytical skills. This role involves working on the layout and design of urban and rural areas including buildings, parks, roads and so on. Find out more about a career as a town planning officer.
Opportunities for career progression depend on the type of company you work for. On average, it’ll take three to five years to progress from a graduate/junior position to a senior role.
At the start of your career, you’ll likely work on projects under the direction and supervision of a project manager or director. To improve your job prospects, you’ll need to get chartered town planning status with the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).
Becoming self-employed is also an option for town planning officers but you’ll need to build up a wealth of experience.
Professional development is often achieved by becoming a member of the RTPI.
To become a member and gain chartered status, you’ll need to complete the RTPI Assessment of Professional Competence. Before applying, you need at least 24 months’ spatial planning experience. During this time you’ll need to fill out a logbook of your activities and find a mentor.
You can also join the RTPI Young Planners Network for access to training.
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