Employers relish opportunity to meet students

The third RTPI/Newcastle University planning fair took place on 30th January, and was a great success. Each year the fair has grown and this year 17 employers were represented – ten from the private sector and seven from the public sector. The event was held in the University’s Lindisfarne Room, which is considerably larger than the venues in previous years. This proved to be a necessity as the employers’ stands ranged in size from regular to XXL!

Over 60 students came along to hear a presentation from Jacqui Ward, the RTPI’s Education Projects Officer, on the APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) – the Institute’s newly established procedure for graduates on accredited courses to attain the MRTPI designation. Jacqui explained the various components of the new Licentiate class of membership, including the need for a corporate member to act as a Mentor to each applicant, and the more rigorous requirements to demonstrate professional competence. Following a brief presentation from the Young Planners Group of RTPI North East came the opportunity for the students and employers to meet and exchange contact details.

Some of the students were particularly well prepared this year – employers were particularly impressed that some had brought CVs. All the employers reported positive feedback, and a particular positive sign was that at least one employer was represented by an attendee at a previous fair, evidence that the planning fair is achieving one of its aims – bringing employers and potential employees together.

Next year’s planning fair has already been booked for Wednesday 28 January 2009, so keep an eye out for publicity later in the year.

Author:

Kay Lough

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

02-Apr-08

Categories:

 

Sections:

Events, Awards & Networking

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