Pathways to Planning: Supporting councils to recruit the next generation of built environment professionals

Pathways to Planning is a national Local Government Association programme that helps councils quickly and cost‑effectively recruit high‑quality graduates into planning, surveying and construction project management roles. 

Local Partnerships is pleased to be supporting the rollout and helping councils take advantage of this opportunity.

Each year, Pathways to Planning attracts thousands of high achieving graduates committed to public service, with over 2,000 applications received this year alone. A rigorous assessment process, co‑designed with practising planners, surveyors and project managers, identifies the top 5–10% of candidates for councils to interview, giving local authorities a strong shortlist without the usual burden of advertising and sifting

Graduates hired through the programme also bring a minimum £10,000 bursary to support their postgraduate study on a course selected by the council. Many planning graduates will join RTPI accredited pathways, while surveyors typically select RICS, CIOB or CABE accredited options, though alternative courses can be discussed with the programme team. Alongside academic study, graduates gain access to additional learning and a supportive peer community, boosting retention and setting them up for long term careers in the sector.

For councils, Pathways to Planning provides a streamlined, low cost recruitment route. There are no programme participation fees, and councils only need to offer a two year fixed term role aligned with part time postgraduate study, cover any tuition fees above the bursary and pay the graduate’s salary. Typically, councils will interview around three candidates per role, with no obligation to appoint if the right fit is not found.

Get involved

Local Partnerships is working with the LGA to onboard councils now. To express interest or discuss how the programme can support your workforce needs, please get in touch.