Town Planning Apprentice Review
at Savills
Degree Apprenticeship
Construction
London
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
A typical day consists of:
Discussing and analysing architectural drawings to deem if they are compliant within the scope of development.
Conduct meetings with clients / external consultants.
Write planning statements highlighting why a development should be deemed appropriate for approval.
Write covering letters (shorter statements) for applications of a different nature under different sections of the Town and Country Planning Act.
Monitor live applications.
Discussing and analysing architectural drawings to deem if they are compliant within the scope of development.
Conduct meetings with clients / external consultants.
Write planning statements highlighting why a development should be deemed appropriate for approval.
Write covering letters (shorter statements) for applications of a different nature under different sections of the Town and Country Planning Act.
Monitor live applications.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy the program a lot, if you are a person who enjoys learning practically and hands on, then the apprenticeship pathway is the right way. Savills have been amazing with their teaching skills and making sure you are always working on a variety of tasks that enhance your over all learning. The people within the company are fantastic to, supportive, friendly and amazing people to be around.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
Of course! When I joined Savills, I arrived right out of sixth form with minimal knowledge in the industry. Subsequently i have developed my general knowledge within the planning industry and further knowledge within separate fields relating to planning such as sustainability, tree reports, construction management... I have also enhanced my skills in conducting professional discussions and presentations.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The structure of the program is good. During university timetable, I will be positioned at uni 1 day out of the working week. Savills are aware of this and make time to help the apprentice attend all lectures to work towards the RTPI accreditation. When not at uni, the working structure is great.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
When you have a question you can always ask, whether it relates to work or personal. Savills is a company full of people, not machines, everyone is here to support each other and create a positive and inclusive community. Savills pushes all employees to strive for their potential.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
My provider is the London South Bank University (LSBU), the support infrastructure is good, when working towards the qualification there is decent support from lecturers and staff. Communication tends to be quick and you can get a meeting with the lecturers before and after class on days you are at uni.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification I am completing is in Town Planning, it is a perfect fit for my role in... Town Planning. The course is RTPI accredited of which is the Royal Town Planning Institution, as the course is accredited, once i have completed the course and taken the necessary steps, i can submit to become apart of the RTPI of which will help progress my career.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
There are a lot of social, sport and networking events within Savills, all within a regular timeframe. Sports can span from 5 a side football and to competing in the National Surveyors Rugby 7s. Social events relate to team events or department events of which are regular. Professional networking events take place often, there is also the opportunity to attend events outside of the office and network with individuals from external consultancies, architectural firms and clients.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Savills is a fantastic place to work regardless of age, the people within the company focuses on pushing each individual to their best potential whilst teaching them along the way. There is a sense of belonging and care within the community here and plenty of opportunity to progress and progress.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Savills?
Be yourself, speak with confidence, believe in what you say. No one expects you to know everything within the industry, so if you can speak with confidence and learn, then you will be an excellent example of a consultant. Be open to learn and learn, this is important, strive to know more and don't get knocked when you get things wrong.
