Apprentice Town Planner Review
at Jacobs
Degree Apprenticeship
Project Management
London
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
3.5 /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
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Overview of Role
3/5
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Skills Development
3.4/5
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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:
3/5
My role involves providing support throughout the various stages of development management in relation to major infrastructure projects. My responsibilities include advising on site assessments by identifying planning constraints, preparing applications for planning permission by coordinating input from technical specialists and drafting documents such as planning statements, and liaising with stakeholders.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I enjoy working on projects that contribute to a more sustainable future, while working with knowledgeable and supportive colleagues.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
3/5
Yes, I have developed skills in project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder management and communication.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The teaching provided by the university would benefit from further refinement, especially the structure of the second year, but it contained valuable modules. The second stage (i.e. chartership) is to some degree dependent on having the right kind of work opportunities at the right time, and having fewer restrictions on the timing of eligible work experience would help mitigate this uncertainty.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
There is a wide range of resources provided by my employer to support my development, including dedicated line managers, a mentor, a wider range of colleagues who are always very helpful, as well as a platform for apprentices.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
Beyond delivering weekly lectures, module leaders were usually available to answer questions, discuss assignments and provide feedback on early drafts.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
The first year provided a helpful overview of the different aspects of planning (e.g. planning law and urban design). There might be scope to offer more modules in the second year and expand more on each topic and/or specialise in a certain area.
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 various employee networks and groups organising events around professional development, social activities, sports, fundraising etc.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Jacobs to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Jacobs has been a great place to start my career, where I have met knowledgeable, friendly and supportive colleagues. There is a wide range of projects and teams, providing plenty of opportunities to gain exposure to different challenges and develop different skills.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Jacobs?
If you are interested in a role, reach out to people working in those roles and the wider team to find out what their work is like day to day and ask any questions you might have.
