Apprentice Planning Officer

Role Responsibility

We are looking for a dynamic, collaborative and highly motivated individual who is looking to be introduced to the field of strategic planning. In this new and exciting apprenticeship role you will work across three teams within the County Councils Planning and Infrastructure Services. You will be expected to assist in the work of the Strategic Planning, Planning Applications and Developer Contributions team, to learn and grow to gain an understanding of the County Councils role in planning, allowing you to gain valuable experience through the work whilst studying.

This is a fantastic role for anyone wishing to start their career in the planning field.

Main responsibilities include:

• Working with different teams across the organisation.
• With supervision, assisting in the co-ordination responses to Local Plans, Strategic Planning Applications and other Consultations.
• With supervision, working on the preparation of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan and determining County Council Planning Applications.
• Gaining an understanding of Developer Contributions in regard to individual planning applications.
• With supervision, carrying out basic research, analysis and evaluation for different planning tasks.
• Developing your skills in providing professional planning advice.
• Provide administrative and technical support to the teams.

About You

To be considered for this role we would expect you to meet the educational requirement outlined in the Job description which are as follows:

• 3 A Levels  - BCC
• BTEC National Diploma MMM
• Access to HE qualifications with 9 Distinctions and 36 Merits or;
• Equivalent Level 3 qualifications worth 106 UCAS points or;
• Level 3 Planning Technician Apprenticeship.
• Applicants must hold 5 GCSE’s A-C including Maths and English, or equivalent (reformed GCSEs grade 4 or above).  

Please see the following link for more information on UCAS points.

You will also be expected to have strong IT skills and show a clear commitment to continued professional and personal development.  A willingness to work towards a Chartered Town Planner  (Degree) Apprenticeship (Level 7) apprenticeship is essential.

You will be need to reside in the UK, the British Overseas Territories, or Crown Dependencies (Channel Islands and Isle of Man) continuously for at least three years prior to the start of the apprenticeship programme. This is to ensure Kent County Council is compliant with the apprenticeship funding rules . These are the rules employers must follow to get funding for apprenticeship training in England.

We are currently operating under a hybrid working structure giving the flexibility for individuals to work from home and/or in one of our reconfigured office buildings.

Closing date for applications is 19^th July 2024, with interviews being held on 12^th August  2024.

Start Date for role: Tuesday 27^th August 2024

Contact Details

For further information on this role, please contact:

Claire Pamberi, Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Manager on 03000 413320 or claire.pamberi@kent.gov.uk.

Sharon Thompson, Head of Planning Applications on  03000 413468 or Sharon.thompson@kent.gov.uk

Colin Finch, Strategic Planning Manager (Infrastructure) on 03000 413990 or colin.finch@kent.gov.uk

About the Company

Work that works for you and us - let’s talk flexibility!

KCC is committed to building a workforce which reflects the diversity of the county’s working residents, encouraging applications from people of all ages, abilities, genders, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, faiths and those with caring responsibilities, and aspires to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves at work.

Please note – if you are interested, please apply as soon as possible as the closing date for this advert may be earlier than stated should a number of suitably qualified candidates apply.