Graduates face the toughest job market in a generation. Unless more potential employers offer work opportunities, we may face another lost generation of graduate planners.
The shortage of qualified planners during the last decade led to some employers facing serious difficulties with recruitment and retention.
- In 2007, the Academy for Sustainable Communities' report Mind the Skills Gap linked this shortage to the recession in the early 1990s.
- We have experience two recessions since 2009 - will this leave a similar legacy?
- Official figures show graduate unemployment at a 15-year high.
How can smaller practices help?
Larger employers are one option open to graduates seeking work experience opportunities, but smaller practices and individual planning consultants can play their part.
Michael Townsend of Townsend Planning Consultants, which employs two non-planning staff, hired planning graduate Lucy Hawley in November 2011 on a part-time basis. He described the move as "very productive for my consultancy".
An established professional, Townsend's own experience of a tough job market motivated him to take on a university leaver.
"Having graduated in 1981 when graduate unemployment was at a similar level to now, I know I would have welcomed the opportunity to work and gain experience."
Townsend is also aware of the implications for the profession. Graduates are particularly vulnerable as their lack of work experience leaves them at a disadvantage in an increasingly competitive job market. "The majority of my fellow graduates did not pursue a career in planning," added Townsend. "I would say that 90 per cent pursued other careers."
Providing valuable experience
Lucy said the job offered her valuable experience. "Since graduating in July 2011, trying to pursue a career within the planning field has been a challenge. This opportunity has been hugely beneficial to my career progression."
"Michael has given me responsibility and practical experience. With his advice and guidance, I have been working on a number of projects and planning applications."
Lucy has moved to a full-time post with a national housing developer. She believes that this would not have happened without her part-time role at the consultancy. Having helped one graduate, Townsend is now looking to recruit a second.
Can you support a graduate?
Although there are no reliable figures for the current number of unemployed planning graduates, it seems inevitable that some of them will disappear into the wider job market, echoing Townsend's experience from the 1980s.
It is vital for the future of the profession that all employers consider what they can do to ensure a future supply of professional planners. So what can you do?
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