A new and unique apprenticeship scheme for people keen on becoming a transport planner has been launched to inspire young people to take up a career in the profession.

The Transport Planning Technician Apprenticeship, launched this week at the Leeds College of Building, is a new style of apprenticeship – known as Trailblazer Apprenticeships - which have been designed specifically to meet the changing needs of employers, learners and providers.

The three year course has been developed by a group of employers in consultation with the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT), the Transport Planning Society, Leeds College of Building and with support from the Leeds Institute for Transport Studies.

Sue Percy, Chief Executive, Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, said:

“We were delighted to be involved with the Transport Planning Technician Apprenticeship, which gives apprentices the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for and allows them to learn as they earn. Those who successfully complete the scheme, will also be assessed for EngTech by CIHT.  Linking the apprenticeship to a professional qualification provides greater value and recognition for both the apprentice and their employer and is an important first step on a professional career pathway in transport planning or engineering.”

Leeds College of Building’s project manager for the TPT apprenticeship, Sarah Carter, added:

“We are excited to offer a new and unique course in Transport Planning. Learners will use state of the art technology to work on current and future industry innovations.”

Employer working group chair, Christine Crossley of Atkins, said:

“This course has been designed with employers’ requirements in mind. It will also give the apprentices a broad understanding of transport planning, opening doors for their future career development.”

Project manager for the Technician Apprenticeship Consortium, Sheila Hoile, added:

“High level technical skill are in short supply within many transport planning organisations. Our long term aim is that the industry will have a well-educated pipeline of young people who are well prepared for technicians roles.”

Employers interested in the scheme should visit www.tacnet.org.uk

Anyone interested in starting an apprenticeship should visit the government’s apprenticeships guide: www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide