A new Apprenticeship scheme has been launched to inspire young people who are considering a career in transport planning. The Transport Planning Technician (TPT) Apprenticeship, launched at the beginning of October 2016 at the Leeds College of Building, is a Trailblazer Apprenticeship. This means it has been designed specifically to meet the changing needs of employers, learners and education 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 of CIHT, 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.”

Employer working group chair, Christine Crossley of Atkins, added: “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.” For more information please visit TPT Apprenticeship launch. Employers interested in the scheme should visit www.tacnet.org.uk