Planners 2

Fisher German are absolutely committed to recruiting the best people but what seems to be evident is that careers in planning are never focussed on early in the educational path. Whether at sixth form or further down the line at university those who join us generally seem to have joined the career path by accident rather than intentionally.

There is a definite lack of information sharing in relation to a career in planning which may help us to understand the current chronic shortage of planners. Liberty Stones, Head of Planning said, “We are keen to access students at all levels to help them understand the career path they could have by joining Fisher German, we offer an unrivalled training program which has been developed throughout the organisation to enable every team member to achieve their full potential and go on to develop their careers through the firm.”

James Beverley, Senior Planner at Fisher German explained how he discovered planning by chance as it was never mentioned as an option at school. “I had never really thought about having a career in planning, I now realise that there are only a few universities who are accredited by the RTPI so this could be an obstacle, especially for those not knowing enough about what it involves and where to start.”

James added, “No two days are the same. Working somewhere like Fisher German has enabled me to work on projects from one dwelling to 4,000 dwellings, greenfield sites and urban brownfield sites – it's all really interesting and great to be part of an expertly qualified team.”

James went on, “As my experience grew, I was encouraged to take ownership of my own projects and manage them from inception through the planning process. This can be advising on planning strategy, site meetings, preparation of various types of planning applications, representing clients at planning committees and planning appeals. It is a pleasure to work for Fisher German, from my first day I have been welcomed and made to feel like a valuable member of the team whose ideas and contributions are appreciated.”

James Borley, a Graduate Planner, also knew very little about planning before he joined Fisher German after graduating from Lancaster University. James said, “I had never even considered planning as a career, it was pure chance I found out about the graduate scheme”.

Fisher German sponsored James to gain a master’s at the University of Birmingham in Urban and Regional Planning. James explained, “Being able to study part time really appealed to me as I continued to learn at the same time as gaining invaluable ‘on the job’ experience. I was given responsibility to work on projects right from the start and working in the General Practice Planning Team means my work ranges from appeals and objections to preparing planning applications.”

Being a new team member at Fisher German means you will be fully supported throughout your training and professional qualifications to become chartered. Our team will support you at every step of your career from completing your degree, to training on the job and completing your APC to become chartered. We will then work closely with you when you decide which area you choose to specialise in, at Fisher German you can choose from General Practice Planning, Strategic Planning, or infrastructure and sustainable energy.

You will have a mentor who will support you through the processing of obtaining your APC (Assessment of Professional Competence) which is the route to becoming a Chartered Town Planner. This assessment looks at experience and competence ensuring that they meet the high standards required for Chartered membership.

James said: “I have received lots of support from everyone at Fisher German and have a mentor who has provided support to me whilst completing my APC which has been invaluable.”

You will gain exposure to many different areas of the business regardless of the office or scheme you join, and we will always encourage you to specialise in work which interests you. Our close-knit culture where colleagues can work with peers at all levels enables them to get involved in exciting projects across the UK and really contribute to our success.

Nia Borsey joined Fisher German's Chester team as a graduate planner in September 2018. She started her career knowing she wanted to go into planning and already had an insight into Fisher German through a work placement. Nia said, “Right from the start I knew I wanted to work for Fisher German, they have a fantastic reputation and being able to work on rural planning projects is my dream job.”

Nia added, “I have worked hard to grow the business into Wales and through successful networking I am now working on some really exciting new projects”

Nia graduated from the University of Liverpool, completing an integrated masters in Town and Regional Planning MPlan (Hons) and successfully passed her APC in December 2020 becoming Chartered and gaining MRTPI status. Nia said, “It is important that we continue to work closely with all universities offering a planning degree to enable them to continue to grow talent in our industry. It is crucial we support young people to choose a career path in planning as there is so little information out there and being able to work for an organisation who values every team member is hugely important”.

We welcome placement and graduate applications from all universities and courses, including courses not RICS or RTPI accredited, or courses not related to property or surveying. To encourage this, Fisher German will sponsor a part-time RICS or RTPI postgraduate degree for non-cognate graduates so full chartership with either organisation can be achieved within the best timescales.

Talk to us at Fisher German if you are a confident communicator, have strong relationship building skills and a positive can-do attitude with a genuine interest in what we do.

Find out more about our planning service here. Find out more about the different ways you can join our team here.

 

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