Economic Development & Planning Planning Apprentice SCP 6-9 (£25,989 to £27,254) subject to Job Evaluation Review Plus 19% employer pension contribution 1 x Fixed Term (2.5 Year Apprenticeship), 37- hours per week Location: Mossley Mill, but may be required to work from any Council site or facility within the Borough Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has teamed up with three other councils, Belfast Metropolitan College and the Department for Infrastructure to launch a new recruitment campaign aimed at attracting future talent into the planning sector. The joint initiative will promote the Higher-Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Planning, a unique opportunity to earn while you learn and gain hands-on experience in local government while studying for a recognised qualification. The programme is designed to give participants the best of both worlds: a full salary while studying for a foundation degree, with no tuition fees and no student debt. Apprentices will learn directly from experienced planning professionals within their council's Planning Team, gaining invaluable real- world experience in how places and communities are shaped. At the same time, they will complete an FdSc in Property, Housing and Planning at Belfast Metropolitan College, with an opportunity for progression to Ulster University's BSc in Planning, Regeneration and Development. Open to school leavers, career changers and anyone with an interest in the built environment, the HLA provides an accessible pathway into a rewarding profession. It has been developed as a response to the challenges councils face in recruiting and retaining planning staff and aims to strengthen local skills, attract new professionals and create future leaders in the planning sector. Main Purpose of Job To complete a Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Property, Housing and Planning with Belfast Metropolitan College. Be responsible to the appropriate manager for assisting with and contributing to the effective operation of planning tasks and duties. Provide and carry out research into emerging Property, Housing and Planning Issues and good practice from other administrations. Develop knowledge and skills and gain experience in the Property, Housing and Planning functions. Make an effective contribution to the achievement of the teams and service's objectives. Be a willing team player, be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs and requirements of the organisation and duties. Develop and maintain an up- to-date knowledge of Property, Housing and Planning and keep under review new developments in local government policy, practice, legislation and new emerging issues, through benchmarking, research and continuous development. General Information Please note that the panel will use ONLY the information provided on the application form for shortlisting. Therefore, you MUST demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria as set out in the specification for the post. Recruitment Process: The recruitment process will assess the suitability of the candidates against the requirements for the post including the competencies identified in the Competence Framework for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. (A copy of the Competency framework is attached for information) Please be advised, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council operates a paper free recruitment and selection process. All communication relating to your application will be sent to the email address that you have provided during login. CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS IS 21 November 2025 AT 12 NOON. Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is committed to appointing on merit, seeking candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds and taking full account of equal opportunities. #nijobs #planning #apprentice To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process, click the Apply button below to Login/Register