Taking town planning to the classroom: Our BBC Bitesize Careers Tour experience

Thank you to Zac Denton, Samuel Leuty-Milner and Sam Wightman for inspiring the next generation of town planners.

When three of our RTPI Young Planners stepped onto a school stage as part of the BBC Bitesize Careers Tour, they weren't quite prepared for the reception. "One session opened with cheers as we walked onto the stage – something I've never experienced in my planning career!" recalls Samuel, still amazed by the energy in the room.

The BBC Bitesize Careers Tour brings real-world career insights directly into schools through a dynamic panel-show format, complete with professional staging, lighting, sound and a BBC presenter chairing the discussion. This autumn, the RTPI was invited to support the initiative to introduce town planning to young people – many of whom had never heard of the profession before.

First impressions matter

Mentioning "town planning" sparked immediate curiosity rather than blank stares. "Town planning wasn't a term most students had heard before, but the moment it was mentioned, there seemed to be general intrigue within the room," says Samuel. Students wanted to know what planners actually do day-to-day, how much they earn, and where you even begin when "planning a town".

Sam took a creative approach to bridge the knowledge gap, relating planning to subjects students already loved. "I compared my role in planning policy to playing Minecraft or The Sims, where planners decide how land should be used and where different types of buildings are best located," she explains. The gaming analogy instantly clicked, helping students visualise the real-world impact of planning decisions.

Making it relevant

Our planners emphasised the multidisciplinary nature of their work, connecting it directly to school subjects. Samuel broke it down clearly: "Urban design links to art and design; housing numbers and transport networks to maths; climate resilience, biodiversity and sustainability to geography and science; and community engagement to English and communication skills."

"I felt that their curiosity showed that once the title is demystified, the career itself is far more interesting and imaginative than students expect." – Samuel

Sam used practical examples to bring concepts to life, such as explaining why new housing estates need to be near schools, parks and shops so residents can enjoy a good quality of life. She also shared stories about exciting developments in Newcastle, including projects redeveloping historic derelict buildings and constructing high-rise towers, which sparked students' imaginations about what planners can achieve.

What really surprised them

The complexity and diversity of planning caught students off guard. "Students seemed fascinated by how many moving parts planners manage – navigating environmental constraints, heritage considerations, transport challenges and community needs, amongst many more," Samuel notes. They were particularly surprised that planners act as problem-solvers who must think creatively and make decisions long before anything is ever built.

What question came up at every single session? 

"How much do you earn was asked at each of the four panel sessions," Samuel laughs. But beyond salary curiosity, students asked thoughtful questions about the profession. During question-and-answer sessions, their genuine engagement showed through. One student asked Sam why she enjoys her job. Her answer resonated: "I explained that I love my city and want to see it prosper, and planning gives me the rare opportunity to help make places better for everyone."

Skills that transfer

The sessions highlighted crucial soft skills that planners use daily. Sam explained how planning policy requires collaboration between colleagues with different specialisms, where strong communication is essential to balance competing priorities. Samuel shared personal examples of creative problem-solving, even recounting how he secured his own work experience by turning up at local public meetings and committees to speak directly with planning professionals – a story that demonstrated the initiative and creativity the profession values.

Lessons for the profession

The scale and energy of the production. "Walking on stage to music, lights and cheers felt closer to a TV show than a careers talk," Samuel reflects. The professional presentation gave planning the platform it deserves, showing it's a career worthy of excitement and attention.

For Sam, representing the profession felt particularly meaningful. "I felt proud to represent the profession, especially at a time when we need to attract more people into the field. It was also a lovely full-circle moment, as I first discovered planning at a careers fair myself."

Their advice for fellow RTPI members considering similar outreach? Keep it simple and authentic. Sam emphasises: "Don't get caught up in technical details or worry about explaining everything perfectly. Focus on why you chose this career and what excited you about planning before you joined the profession. Share your passion and personal perspective because that's what makes the biggest impact."

Samuel encourages the RTPI to continue pushing for interactive, fast-paced and visually engaging formats to bring planning to life for young audiences.

Why this matters

"There is so much misinformation around planning and many just think it's about your back garden extension; when there is so much more to it," Samuel points out. These school visits are vital opportunities to open up the profession to young people, helping them understand what a great and diverse career planning can be.

The impromptu questions, the genuine curiosity and the buzz of excitement in those classrooms proved something important: young people are far more engaged with their built environment than we often give them credit for. They just need someone to show them the possibilities.

If you're an RTPI member considering schools outreach, these experiences show it's not just rewarding – it's essential. The next generation of planners might be sitting in a classroom right now, waiting to discover that the career of their dreams has been shaping their world all along.

• Sam Wightman is RTPI North East Young Planner of the Year 2025. 
  
  
• Samuel Leuty-Milner is a member of RTPI North West Regional Activities Committee (RAC), and is chair of the Education and careers task group.
  
  
• Zac Denton is a member of RTPI South East and former chair of the South Coast Young Planners Network (SCYPN).