RTPI pilot programme encourages young people to consider a career in planning

93% of students say they would consider a career in town planning during an ongoing Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) work experience pilot, up from 37% at the start of the programme.

EXPLORE, the pilot programme, aims to encourage young people – particularly those from Asian, Black, and minority ethnic communities and lower socio-economic backgrounds – to consider a career in planning. 

Working with social responsibility and outreach specialist Clever Egg, the RTPI has placed 80 students since it started in January 2022. Student across the UK from Belfast to Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, London and Cambridge have taken part.

The programme will continue until it meets its target of 100 students, with another round of placements planned later in the year.

One student who took part in the EXPLORE pilot said, “My work experience with the RTPI was insightful, informative, and interesting. The tasks I undertook gave me an idea of what the world of planning looks like. Going on a site visit, writing a planning appraisal, and helping out in the community were very rewarding and interesting. I thoroughly enjoyed my placement with RTPI.”

Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI said, “Students who have taken part in the EXPLORE programme have had a really good experience and crucially, many who perhaps had never even heard of planning are now willing to consider it as a career.

“This is a tremendous result and all down to the efforts of our hosts, delivery partner, RTPI colleagues and supporters like BAME Planners Network, who have taken the time and care to craft great experiences.

“We can't predict the future, but this successful pilot has given us some strong foundations to build upon. Well done and congratulations to the team and a special thank you to our host employers.”

Caroline Cutler, Consultant at Clever Egg said, “We are thrilled with the feedback. Students have been overwhelmingly positive about their work experience placements in Planning teams. This is all down to the efforts of our hosts, who have taken the time and care to craft great experiences. 

“We can't predict the future, but our hosts have helped these young people feel welcomed, educated, and inspired about the possibilities that a career in planning holds. The RTPI and all the placement hosts should be extremely proud.”