Spatial Planning – Year in Industry

The individual should be able to contribute to innovative proposals, assess planning applications, analyse policy and income streams, collaborate with a range of stakeholders, and deliver evidence-based solutions. Skills in communication, analysis, and teamwork.

The individual must be at university working towards a minimum of a 2:2 degree in urban planning, geography, or another relevant built-environment discipline. At least two years of university must be completed by summer 2026. The role is designed for a sandwich year student. Successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the scheme, as at the start date. The role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa scheme.

The department supports ongoing development through a wide range of on-the-job practical experience. Professional development is supported through an established training programme, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The individual will receive one-to-one guidance from a placement manager (responsible for day-to-day management and development), a scheme sponsor (a senior manager who acts as a technical and professional adviser), a buddy (usually an apprentice or graduate who provides support and ensures the individual feels welcomed), and a development adviser (who provides career coaching and progression support at TfL).

TfL’s core values are extremely important, and candidates are desired who are:

• Caring about colleagues, customers, and work
• Open to each other, new ideas, and working together
• Adaptable to diverse needs and willing to innovate

Students who have completed this programme have secured positions as planning consultants in both the public and private sectors in the UK and abroad. The Year in Industry placement is relevant to those seeking built-environment careers in development management, property development, transport planning, policy making, regeneration, master planning, sustainability, and local government or civil service.

The application process consists of 5 steps, including online assessments to be completed within an allocated time frame. It is highly recommended that the individual reads through the application information thoroughly. The following link describes each stage of the Year In Industry Application Process: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/careers/how-to-apply-for-apprentice-and-graduate-roles?intcmp=66755

If the individual already holds qualification certificates, they should upload copies to their application. If final exams are due or certificates need to be replaced, these must be provided at a later stage. Information and guidance will be provided at each assessment stage. The individual should pay close attention to emails and deadlines, noting there is 1 week to complete online assessments and tests cannot be re-issued once the deadline passes. Assessment centres for graduates and intern roles will take place from December to January, with many roles only having 1 assessment day and alternative dates not guaranteed. Assessment centres are conducted in person and virtually, depending on the role.

TfL is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, aiming to represent the city it serves. TfL is a disability confident employer and guarantees an interview to any disabled candidate who meets all essential criteria. In high volume campaigns, the minimum criteria set is achieving a pass mark in the first stage assessments, adopting a proportionate approach as part of the Disability Confident scheme. TfL asks to be informed if any reasonable adjustments are required for any stage of the application process.

Previous Assistant Planners at TfL have shared positive experiences, highlighting skill development, valuable project work, and supportive colleagues.

The recruitment team can be contacted by phone at 0203 005 1680 (Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17.30) or by email at EarlyCareersCampaigns@tfl.gov.uk.