Town Planning Technician
The Work
Town planning support staff work with town planners in preparing and drawing up plans for both urban and rural areas. They collect and analyse all types of planning information. This may involve discussions with the public as well as arranging and conducting surveys to assess local needs.
There is a lot of paperwork relating to administration and record keeping, including updating and indexing plans, and filing photographs, maps and reports. Computers are used to store information and analyse statistics.
Town planning support staff sometimes accompany town planners to residents' meetings, exhibitions and other public consultation meetings. This may involve setting up displays, writing leaflets and reports and preparing posters.
Dealing with enquiries from the public by telephone, letter or face-to-face is an important part of the job.
Hours and Conditions
Town planning support staff normally work office hours, with flexi-time arrangements becoming increasingly available.
Work is mainly office-based but often involves accompanying town planners to site visits, meetings and exhibitions.
Skills and Interests
To work in town planning support, you should:
Training
Training is usually delivered by employers, often coupled with study towards NVQ / SVQ Level 3 in Town Planning Support. This is available part-time and via distance learning.
There are other relevant qualifications such as the BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Planning, which takes between two and five years to complete.
Entry requirements for a HNC are four GCSEs (A-C) / S grades (1-3) plus one A level / two Highers. Equivalent qualifications may be accepted.
For details of qualification equivalents see:
An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. If experienced in a related field, you may be able to gain recognition of skills through Accredited Prior Learning (APL). Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
Trainees are eligible to join the Planning Executives Association (PEA) of the Royal Town Planning Institute as an Associate Member. Technical membership is awarded after studying for a related qualification plus completion of two years' relevant work experience.
Opportunities
The majority of town planning support staff work for local authorities, with a small number employed by central government departments. There may be a few opportunities to work for private consultancy firms.
The profession is small, with only about 500 people employed in technician posts across the UK. However a considerable number of other support staff work as planning administrators or planning enforcement officers.
Opportunities for promotion are limited. Some undertake further study to become a town planner.
Salary
The figures below are intended as a guideline only.
Income for town planning support staff varies depending on qualifications, type of employer and location.
Income for new entrants is around £11,000 or more a year.
Experienced Technicians can earn £13,500 or more a year.
Senior town planning support staff may earn £15,000 or more a year.
Further Information
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Royal Town Planning Institute
Tel: 020 7929 9494
www.rtpi.org.uk
Royal Town Planning Institute in Scotland
Tel: 0131 226 1959
www.scotland.rtpi.org.uk
