A recent workshop, organised by RTPI North East and the School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape at Newcastle University, offered support to town planners struggling to find appropriate employment in the current economic climate.

Most sectors of the planning profession have found times hard in 2009 and 2010. This has led to some redundancies, and recruitment freezes at many employers in the North East and elsewhere. This particularly affects those looking to enter the profession, including recent graduates. This free workshop offered the opportunity to hear about some of the support available to help planners get (back) on the career ladder, and to discuss any issues they were facing.

Presentations from Chris Sheridan (Planners in the Workplace Manager at the RTPI), Jos Harrison (Careers Adviser with the Careers Service at the University), and Kevin Parkes (Executive Director of Regeneration, Middlesbrough Council) contained a mixture of positive messages about the future; information on the support available from the RTPI and the Careers Service; and practical tips on writing CVs, applying for jobs and obtaining the work experience vital to gain a foothold in the profession.

Nearly 20 attendees, some current students and some recent graduates, listened to the presentations and participated in a question-and-answer session with the presenters. Tim Townshend, Director of Planning and Urban Design at the School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape said "we recognise the need to offer support to our current students and recent graduates as they try to gain employment in a difficult climate".

For any further information, or copies of the presentations from the event, please contact John Sturzaker on john.sturzaker@ncl.ac.uk.

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Author:

Kay Lough

Publisher:

The Royal Town Planning Institute

Date:

09-Jul-10

Categories:

Nations & Regions 

Sections:

Member Services

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