Meet our new Apprentice Planner

January 22, 2018

Sergio Chapman-Salas, the National Park Authority’s first ever Apprentice Planner, started work with us in September 2017. We asked him to tell us about why he decided to become a planner and whether reality is living up to expectation.

“I enjoyed geography at school and the idea of living more sustainably. Planning fits both of these so seemed like a good career choice. I was looking at university courses when I found out I could also get into planning through an apprenticeship. I liked the idea of learning on the job, getting first-hand experience and getting paid – it seems so much better than just learning from books!

“I found two available and was lucky enough to become the National Park Authority’s first Apprentice Planner. I spend one day every week earning my town planning support qualification at Chichester University.

“My first day was with the Planning Policy team. It was the same day they launched the final consultation on the South Downs Local Plan which meant that there was lots to learn but also lots to get involved with. I enjoy being part of a team sharing ideas and working together on a big goal.

“I’m still getting to grips with all the different work that planners do. I’m currently with the validation team, then I’ll be working with Development Management and finally the Major Projects Team so at the end of my two years apprenticeship I should have a good insight across all the different areas. I definitely want to stay in planning so after that I might go to university to study for a full RTPI qualification or I might continue to learn on the job.

“My first experience in planning has led me to believe that the best approach to take as a planner is to be open minded and willing to learn!”