10/11/2025
Four Northern Ireland Councils Launch Debt-Free Apprenticeship Scheme
A new joint recruitment campaign has been launched in Northern Ireland to attract future professionals into the vital planning sector.
The initiative is a partnership between four local councils—Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; and Belfast City Council—alongside Belfast Metropolitan College and the Department for Infrastructure.
The campaign promotes the Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Planning, offering a pathway to gain both a qualification and hands-on experience in local government. One apprenticeship position is available in each of the four participating councils.
The programme is designed to tackle challenges in recruiting and retaining planning staff by offering a debt-free route into the profession. Participants receive a full salary while studying, with no tuition fees or student debt. Apprentices complete an FdSc in Property, Housing and Planning at Belfast Metropolitan College, with an opportunity to progress to Ulster University's BSc in Planning, Regeneration and Development. Crucially, they gain invaluable real-world experience learning directly from planning professionals within their council's Planning Team, learning how communities are shaped.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Jessica Johnston, highlighted the value of the programme: "Planning is about shaping the places where we live, work and grow, it plays a vital role in the future of our communities. This apprenticeship offers a fantastic route into a rewarding profession, giving people the chance to gain qualifications, knowledge and experience without the worry of student debt. I encourage anyone with an interest in the built environment to consider applying and becoming part of this exciting initiative."
The HLA is open to school leavers, career changers, and anyone interested in the built environment. Applications for the HLA in Planning opened on Friday, 7 November, and will close on Friday, 21 November.
The initiative is a partnership between four local councils—Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council; Newry, Mourne and Down District Council; Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council; and Belfast City Council—alongside Belfast Metropolitan College and the Department for Infrastructure.
The campaign promotes the Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Planning, offering a pathway to gain both a qualification and hands-on experience in local government. One apprenticeship position is available in each of the four participating councils.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Councillor Jessica Johnston, highlighted the value of the programme: "Planning is about shaping the places where we live, work and grow, it plays a vital role in the future of our communities. This apprenticeship offers a fantastic route into a rewarding profession, giving people the chance to gain qualifications, knowledge and experience without the worry of student debt. I encourage anyone with an interest in the built environment to consider applying and becoming part of this exciting initiative."
The HLA is open to school leavers, career changers, and anyone interested in the built environment. Applications for the HLA in Planning opened on Friday, 7 November, and will close on Friday, 21 November.
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08 December 2008
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26 June 2014
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
New figures show that 92% of 'Large Scale Planning Applications' are being dealt with within six months, beating the set target of 75%. Turnaround times for planning applications are improving, becoming "speedier and fairer", Environment minister Mark H Durkan said.
Planning Applications 'Speedier And Fairer' - Durkan
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04 February 2011
Public Housing Cuts 'Will Hit Builders'
The amount of funding available for public housing in NI was discussed this week as the NI Social Development Minister, Alex Attwood met with housing, construction and charity representatives to discuss the draft housing budget.
Public Housing Cuts 'Will Hit Builders'
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.