Alice, Planning apprentice

What role are you currently in, and what apprenticeship are you studying?

I was previously an Apprentice within Planning, and my role was ‘Town Planning Assistant’ however I am now in a permanent position and am a Technical Support Officer within the Validation team. I am studying a Level 4 Town Planning Course at Chichester College.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I didn’t know what I wanted to do and had worked in retail my entire adult career, the apprenticeship gave me the option to get a qualification whilst working and gave me better options for my future.

Do you have an idea of what you would like to do after your apprenticeship?

Currently, I am unsure if I will pursue higher qualifications within Town Planning, as the government are cutting the funding for the higher course and therefore it depends on what is happening with this in the future.

Did you know about the council before starting your apprenticeship, if so, what?

I didn’t know anything.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

Learning whilst you work, I find this is a much easier way to get a qualification. The majority of stuff you will learn, you are then putting into practice everyday and therefore you don’t just have to remember pages long of information.

Name three things have you learnt whilst working at the council

• Great benefits

• The council is very supportive with working hours and as long as you are doing the work they don’t mind where you do it from

• The council gets a bad rep I find, however the people within the council are some of friendliest and most welcoming people I have met