Graduate Planner Review
at Savills
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Construction
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.3 /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!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3/5
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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
Working on projects of differing types of development and locations with the support of a Director or senior member of staff within your team. This leads to a growth in knowledge of differing processes within planning, as well as softer skills such as project and time management.
Additionally, as there is a wealth of expertise within the business, there is an emphasis on collaborative working within Savills itself with specialist teams.
Capacity is not always acknowledged, so it can make it hard to prioritise university on top of work. However, this is likely to be the same in any private sector role.
Additionally, as there is a wealth of expertise within the business, there is an emphasis on collaborative working within Savills itself with specialist teams.
Capacity is not always acknowledged, so it can make it hard to prioritise university on top of work. However, this is likely to be the same in any private sector role.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy working at the company in the planning department, but I do not think the current graduate scheme caters to Level 7 apprentices with uni days being used for internal training instead of coursework. The training days themselves although full days, typically tend to have many lectures on specialisms at a basic level with little emphasis on how to apply this new knowledge as a planner. More scenario-based workshops could be good.
Additionally, unlike the surveyors there is no one (to my knowledge) in the learning development team specifically who has been through the RTPI APC either through the licentiate or apprenticeship route this would be an invaluable resource when structuring internal training/ the graduate scheme.
Additionally, unlike the surveyors there is no one (to my knowledge) in the learning development team specifically who has been through the RTPI APC either through the licentiate or apprenticeship route this would be an invaluable resource when structuring internal training/ the graduate scheme.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Due to the relationship between work and the apprenticeship definitely time management. Communication is also a big skill to master, as emails need to be concise and not misconstrued, and projects typically run more smoothly when people are on the same page.
Given the role is at graduate level, there is the potential to be pigeoned holed, so there is very much the need for you to express your interest and capability in taking more responsibility or differing projects on this can be the most frustrating aspect of the job.
Given the role is at graduate level, there is the potential to be pigeoned holed, so there is very much the need for you to express your interest and capability in taking more responsibility or differing projects on this can be the most frustrating aspect of the job.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
2/5
Structured, but disconnect between Grad HR and individual teams leading to unequal treatment of grads.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
3/5
Varied, as due to disconnect can make it feel like an uphill battle.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
2/5
mixed.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I think it helps with understanding, but I would not be able to fully understand the course requirements if I remained in a planning specialism. It is suited to general planning.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Tons of extra-curricular and opportunities. You do have to put yourself out there though.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
No
Why?
I would not recommend being a graduate, purely due to how teams can treat graduates. Instead I would recommend joining post qualification.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Savills?
Research the type of projects you would be interested in and communicate that passion.
