The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has voiced deep concern following the Government’s decision to restrict funding for Level 7 (L7) Chartered Town Planner apprenticeships to individuals aged 16 – 21.
The Institute warns that the decision will put the future pipeline of planners – crucial to meeting the Government’s economic growth agenda and housing delivery targets – at serious risk.
This announcement comes despite a recent surge in participation and success in the apprenticeship programme. In April, the RTPI reported a record number of candidates reaching the final stage of the Chartered Town Planner Degree Apprenticeship.
The number of apprentices reaching the End-Point Assessment in Q1 2025 rose by 66% compared to the same period in 2024. Currently, more than 800 apprentices are on programme, and 189 have successfully achieved Chartered Town Planner status through this route.
However, the RTPI highlights that many university partners report that 100% of their Chartered Town Planner L7 apprentices since 2019 have been over the age of 21 upon entry. The change in funding eligibility, therefore, threatens to undermine a well-established and increasingly popular route into the profession.
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “This apprenticeship was developed to provide an alternative route for people to gain entry into the profession, and has provided employers with a pipeline of talent into what we know is an under-resourced profession. We are extremely disappointed with this decision, which will be counterproductive to the Government’s growth strategy.
“The RTPI and its members made robust representations to the Government to maintain what has been a successful route into the profession. Given the severe resourcing issues currently being experienced by local authority planning departments, no legislative proposals will achieve the Government’s growth ambition without a resolution to capacity constraints.
“We have therefore proposed a comprehensive three-point resourcing plan to be published alongside the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. This includes a transparent whole-system audit, a holistic approach to skills development across the country, and funding to facilitate a capacity-building programme.”
The Institute will work with the Government to explore alternative ways to encourage entrants into the profession who exceed the new age limit.
