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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has welcomed two new Higher Level Apprenticeship in Planning trainees who will earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience in local government. Conail Holden and Jack Green have secured the unique opportunity to work with the council while studying for a recognised qualification with no tuition fees and no student debt.
The council recently 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 recruitment campaign aimed at attracting future talent into the planning sector.
Conail and Jack are among 11 new trainee planners who have been recruited to work across the councils involved and the Department for Infrastructure in the HLA programme, which was developed as a response to the challenges faced in recruiting and retaining planning staff. It aims to strengthen local skills, attract new professionals and create future leaders in the planning sector.
Designed to give participants the best of both worlds, a full salary while studying for a foundation degree, the programme provides the apprentices with the opportunity to 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, the apprentices 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.
Department for Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, recently welcomed the 11 new trainee planners to Belfast Met as they embark on the first term of their programme and said planners bring enormous benefits to communities, the environment, the economy, to government and to everyday life.
"This Trainee Planner Programme will provide our new planning trainees with a great opportunity to work towards a qualification and a career that will allow them to play a key role in how the environment in which we live and work, is shaped for future generations," she said.
Minister Kimmins added that this is the first time since the reform of planning in 2015 that staff have been appointed to the trainee planner grade. It is just one of a number of positive steps that she is taking to address issues with recruitment and retention in the system and reflects her own commitment to improving the planning system, not only for the wider public, but also to support the health and wellbeing of those staff already working in the system.
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council said the HLA programme provides a pathway for the planners of the future and he is delighted to welcome Conail and Jack.
"They will be working alongside our dedicated team of planners and be a part of helping shape the future of the district. It is an exciting opportunity for them and the Council," he said.
Chris Corken, Head of School of Science, Engineering and Construction at Belfast Metropolitan College said Belfast Met is delighted to play a central role in this innovative Trainee Planner Programme. This initiative reflects exactly what can be achieved through genuine collaboration between the Department for Infrastructure, local councils and further education.
"By investing in new talent, we are strengthening the future of the planning profession and supporting the wider construction and built environment sectors. I commend the Minister for her leadership and commitment to ensuring our trainees have the opportunity, skills and confidence to shape the places and communities of tomorrow," he said.
The programme marks a significant investment in the future of planning across Northern Ireland, with the 11 new trainees set to play a key role in shaping communities for years to come.
