Planning Officer Level 1 Review
at Wiltshire council
Degree Apprenticeship
Property Planning
Chippenham, Wiltshire
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.5 /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!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
4.2/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My role involves handling planning applications, responding to enquiries, and customer service. Every day is different, and the applications are very varied. I learn a lot about the built and natural environment and feel like I can make a real difference through making decisions about what development our communities need.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
My apprenticeship has been great! The MSc course has been intense but I have learned so much about urban planning. Wiltshire Council has been very supportive with my off-the-job training, and I have been able to put the learning gained from my studies into real-life practice.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
My apprenticeship has development my writing skills through writing reports for planning applications and writing essays during my studies. I have also developed my interpersonal skills by supporting customers with their planning applications and negotiating with them to make the best decisions about Wiltshire's built and natural environment.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The MSc programme at UWE is very good, very supportive and provides a good theoretical grounding for anyone looking to work in urban planning.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Wiltshire Council has supported me with flexible working to allow me to focus on my studies alongside my work duties.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
UWE have been very supportive during my time on the MSc Urban Planning. They offer lots of resources in their library, from staff, and student services.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
The MSc Urban Planning provides a good theoretical grounding for anyone looking to work in urban planning. A number of the assignments are based on real-world tasks, giving you transferable skills and knowledge for working in private/public practice.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
1/5
None.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Wiltshire council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Wiltshire Council is a welcoming and supportive place to work, in a very attractive part of the country. I am very grateful to them for supporting us young people through apprenticeship schemes and I hope they continue to do so for many years to come.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Wiltshire council?
Go for it! It's a great place to live or work
