Julie, Planning and Growth

What is your role?

Planning Apprentice – currently working in Validation

When did you start here?

I started work in January 2023. I shall finish in two years time.

Why did you choose to do an apprenticeship?

I wanted to change career and felt that the best way was to learn whilst I was working. The ability to obtain a qualification at the same time is a huge bonus.

Did you come with GCSEs or A Levels?

O’Levels, A’Levels and a degree in Landscape Management.

Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to do?

I had been thinking about different career choices for a long time, but this seemed to be the best fit for me.

Why did you decide to work here?

I liked the idea of working with a council and West Suffolk was one of my closest geographically. The countryside is beautiful, so it seemed a good choice.

What did you know about the council before you joined and what have you learnt about it so far?

I have only been here a few weeks, but I have learned a lot more about the way a council runs than I ever knew before! I still have a lot more to learn though.

What apprenticeship are you undertaking, and do you have future plans?

I am doing a Level 4 in Town Planning.

What do you enjoy about working here?

I like being back in an office working as part of a team – the agile working is fantastic - enabling me to balance work with family life so much more effectively so that neither one loses out.

Apart from your apprenticeship, have you had other opportunities to learn and develop, job-shadow or to be involved in different projects?

It’s early days for me at the moment but I have got a workplace mentor and everybody so far has been really generous with their time and knowledge.

What advice would you give to future applicants?

There are so many opportunities to learn new skills via an apprenticeship – just look at the different websites and apply for one!