Graduate Planner Review
at Savills
Degree Apprenticeship
Property Management
Reading
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.1 /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
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
3.8/5
-
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
Development Management – advising a range of clients on planning strategies, including the preparation of planning appraisals, coordination of pre-application enquiries, and the submission and management of outline, full, and reserved matters applications. This spans a variety of residential and mixed-use sites across England, as well as schemes for industrial and logistics developments.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
ability to manage planning applications from start to finish—especially in coordinating consultant inputs, drafting planning statements, and navigating the pre-application process. I’ve also developed my client communication skills by advising a range of stakeholders and tailoring advice based on their priorities.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
training days are good and useful, lots of help and guidance towards run up to APC
How much support do you receive from your employer?
4/5
my team are supportive
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
they are supportive and proactive
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
It's a master's in Urban Planning. Coming from a Geography undergraduate background, it's been really valuable in providing the theoretical foundation and planning-specific knowledge that wasn't covered in my previous studies. In terms of the APC support side, they provide a 'skills coach' who you meet with and go through KSBs and competencies
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
some networking events
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Savills to a friend?
Yes
Why?
support system and the network of other graduates—it’s been really valuable to share experiences, get advice, and feel part of a 'wider community'
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Savills?
be yourself, ask questions
