Careers
Planning is a dynamic profession which offers a range of opportunities to work within different sectors. Careers information is available on the Royal Town Planning Institute website :
The following Universities in Scotland currently offer undergraduate and post-graduate planning courses
A post-graduate course in urban design is run by the University of Strathclyde.
The Scottish Government hosted a Graduate Programme in June 2010. Thirty recent graduates took part in the 4 day programme, the aim of which was to aid the transition from education to practice. Presentations and handouts are available.
Skills
Developing skills is one of the 4 key themes in Delivering Planning Reform that aims to speed up planning reforms. The Scottish Government has therefore been supporting the up-skilling of planning practitioners.
Improvement Service
The Planning Development Programme (PDP) which is delivered by the Improvement Service (IS), was introduced in 2006 to help planning authorities address training needs and skills gaps which were hindering them in the effective delivery of a modernised planning service. Since 2006, the Scottish Government has invested over £2.5 million in the Programme.
In 2011, the Scottish Ministers agreed to support skills development for 2 years until March 2013. This support will allow a co-ordinator at the IS to establish a sustainable approach to skills and knowledge development which can be sustained beyond the funding period.
Scottish Government Placements
Since Spring 2009 Planning and Architecture Division has hosted 2 day placements to help stakeholders gain a better understanding of the role of the Scottish Government in planning. Over 100 people have now attended these sessions from local authorities, agencies, the private sector, universities and representative groups.
The outline provides further information. If you are interested in attending please email Iain Mcleod.
Pilot of Cross Sector Working
In 2010 the Scottish Government trialled a programme of cross sector work placement with the aim of developing a shared understanding of pressures, priorities and work practices. The project summary highlights lessons learnt and provides tips on arranging a successful placement.