About the role:

We are looking for a graduate to join our award-winning Planning team in Bristol or London and take the next steps in their career through a Planning Apprenticeship.

This is a great opportunity to continue your studies at postgraduate level, working towards full Chartered membership of the RTPI at the same time as experiencing the practical application of your knowledge in employment.

The role includes contributing to a range of private and public sector projects in the fields of planning and environmental policy, including plan preparation, assessment and evidence gathering as well as development management and site-specific planning advice.

Examples of the type of tasks this role would involve are:

• Planning policy research and evaluation;
• Preparation of materials to support planning applications (e.g. Planning Statements and Design & Access Statements);
• Assessment of proposed development sites, including site history research;
• Activities associated with producing sound planning policies and robust Local Plan evidence documents (including stakeholder consultation and engagement);
• Research and assessments across a broad range of topic areas including Green Belt, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and management of natural resources including Green and Blue Infrastructure; and
• Strategic Environmental Assessment and Habitats Regulations Assessment of Local Planning documents (including Local Plans, Neighbourhood Plans, Minerals & Waste Plans, Local Flood Risk Management Strategies, Forestry Strategies).

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a team of dedicated planning professionals. We work closely across LUC with our colleagues in Landscape Management and Design, Heritage, Ecology and other multi-disciplinary teams. We are committed to high quality professional work with a strong emphasis on delivering sustainable solutions.

The role includes the opportunity to share and participate actively in the management and ownership of the business through the Employee Ownership Trust, which places full ownership of the company with the employees.

The role is based in LUC’s office in Bristol or London. We work in a hybrid model with people being in the office a minimum of two days per week. There will also be travel required to visit sites, client offices and other office locations.

A full-time role is based on 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday). However, LUC has a strong track record in flexible working, and we have been recognised for our flexible working culture, so we are happy to discuss a range of flexible working options for this Please note one day (7.5 hours) of your working week is for classroom and further education learning to be led by your university provider.

Salary: £25,000 FTE

This is a great time to be joining LUC. Since its creation nearly 60 years ago, LUC has been driven by the belief that planning has a critical role to play in shaping the world around us for the better. This work has never been more critical or urgent.

Experience and qualifications

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in planning and the environment, particularly in areas such as sustainability, climate change and development. We are seeking an enthusiastic person who is keen to learn and assist with a range of projects. The individual should be able to evidence strong communication skills and effective teamwork and collaboration.

Essential

• In order to meet the entry requirements for this role you will need:
• An honours degree of 2.2 or above. This course is suitable for graduates of degrees from any academic background, particularly social sciences, geography and planning.
• We can consider applicants who do not meet the normal entry requirements, but who do have relevant professional experience or qualifications. In your application, you should describe your professional experience and qualifications in detail.
• Keen enthusiasm for planning and environmental issues, especially in areas like sustainability, climate change, and urban development.
• Basic understanding of the role of planning policy and legislation, including the UK planning system.
• Experience with research and report writing, either through academic work or internships.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, for engaging with clients, stakeholders, and communities.
• Teamwork and collaboration, ideally demonstrated through group projects, volunteering, or part-time work.
• IT proficiency, especially in Microsoft Office and basic GIS or mapping tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS).
• Attention to detail and analytical thinking, useful for reviewing planning documents and preparing assessments.

To study an Entry Point 2 Masters in Urban Planning (Level 7) apprenticeship, you need to be able to commence in September 2025 and:

• Be an EEA citizen (with Right to Work in the UK) and not be in any other kind of full-time education (including being enrolled on any other apprenticeship programme)
• Be employed (for at least the full planned duration of your apprenticeship) in a role that is linked to the appropriate industry for the apprenticeship training
• Receive at least legal minimum wage for apprentices (wages vary depending on experience, employer and level or type of apprenticeship)
• Commit to at least 6 hours per week of apprenticeship training during your normal working hours

Desirable

• Driving licence.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

LUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups. We value the differences, needs and contributions a diverse workforce represents, and we strive to embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all our people related activities.