Following the successful launch of the Transport Planning Technician Apprenticeship in October 2016, the Employer Working Group (EWG) is looking to establish whether employers in both public and private sector organisations see the need to develop a degree apprenticeship for transport planners.

The existing technician apprenticeship runs over two years, comprising an integrated programme of academic study and work based learning. The teaching is delivered at Leeds College of Building and supported by online learning and assignments between college attendance which includes an induction week and six two-week teaching blocks.  The apprenticeship programme is mapped to the internationally recognised professional qualification of Engineering Technician (EngTech) with CIHT.

The long-term intention of the EWG was to develop a clear career path for new transport planners and with the support of the professional bodies including TPS and CIHT, provide an opportunity for progression to a Transport Planning Degree Apprenticeship.

Having developed the Transport Planning Technician Apprenticeship, the EWG is now keen to establish the need and potential take up for a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. The programme for this course would typically run over 5 years and give successful trainees an approved Level 6 Bachelors’ Degree along with the acquisition of work-based learning and experience to meet professional body requirements.

The programme would be appropriate for a range of entrants including: -

• A level students – with 3 A levels at A-C or equivalent (such as BTEC Diploma);
• Current transport planners with limited formal training; and
• Those completing a technician apprenticeship (EngTech) and wishing to move on to the next level.

It is intended that the degree apprenticeship would be delivered by a minimum of two Higher Education Institutions, one in the north and one in the south of England.

For transport planning organisations, there are clear benefits in developing a workforce with the skills required to meet the challenges of new innovative projects particularly when this can be achieved using the apprenticeship levy for those companies who are paying it.  For those companies who fall below the levy threshold up to 90% of the costs will be met by Government funding.

If a degree apprenticeship for Transport Planners would be of interest to your organisation, then please contact Christine Crossley (Chair of the EWG) to confirm your support and indicate the number of apprentices that you might anticipate recruiting on an annual basis.

Many thanks for your help.

Christine.crossley@atkinsglobal.com