Apprentice to Professional
Alison Balsdon - Planning Technician
Whilst studying for my A-levels, I had come to think that
university was the only way forward for the types of subjects I was studying. However,
as the deadline for applying to university was drawing close, I was completely unsure
as to what I would study and whether any courses interested me. This is where I
started to look into apprenticeships.
I had not planned on becoming a town planner, however after talking
to DCC at a careers fair, I became aware of a Town Planning Apprenticeship.
After this, I began to investigate the role and when DCC advertised for a new
Town Planning Apprentice, I applied straight away. After attending the assessment day, I was offered the job and
therefore joined the School Place Planning team in September 2017.
As an apprentice, I had no idea what the job really entailed
but from the great support and guidance from the team, I quickly picked up on the
tasks and roles of the job. During my apprenticeship I also attended college once a
fortnight where I would build on the practical work at DCC and look in more
detail at the academic side of planning. I was also able to mix with other town
planning students including employees from city councils and The Environment
Agency.
After being at DCC for a year, I was given the opportunity
to move onto an Open University module to take my learning forward. As well as
this I applied for and became a permanent employee as a Planning Technician.
Since starting my new role, I have been able to build experience in other areas
of the planning team including strategic and development management work. This really
emphasis the range of opportunities within planning and across the council.
I would recommend DCC’s apprenticeship scheme to anyone who
is only applying to university because it seems like the only form of career
progression. Apprenticeships allow you to gain experience and academic
knowledge at the same time as earning and still allow you to gain university
level qualifications.
Alison Balsdon
Planning Technician
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