The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has written to Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP to warn that new age restrictions on Level 7 apprenticeship funding will severely damage the pipeline of qualified planners.
From 2026, the Department for Education (DfE) will limit funding for Level 7 apprenticeships to candidates aged 16–21. DfE states that just 17% of current Chartered Town Planner degree apprentices would meet this criterion.
The Institute continues to explain the impact of the decision to the Government and estimates that the change will result in a loss of 200 planners each year, with around 70% of these roles in local government – a sector already struggling with severe skills shortages. This could cost the profession £1.7 million annually in lost investment, totalling nearly £6 million over the remainder of the current Parliament.
The impact is already being felt. One Planning School has announced it will withdraw from offering the Level 7 Apprenticeship from 2026, and another has paused recruitment to its undergraduate-entry apprenticeship.
The Institute is maintaining continuous dialogue with the Government to resolve this major issue. In its letter to the Minister, the RTPI has called for £6.8 million in capital investment over the remainder of this Parliament to support Planning Schools in recruiting and training 400 planners while an alternative programme is developed.
Other suggested solutions include:
- The development and introduction of a L6 Town Planner apprenticeship
- Increased promotion of the L4 Town Planning Assistant apprenticeship to local authorities as a route into the profession at school-leaver level
- Further funding from Government for bursaries or scholarships to support those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds to embark on planning study and a planning career.
- Explore flexibilities in the Growth and Skills Levy to support the planning sector through initiatives such as work experience in local authorities and a funded career changers’ initiative.
- Planning sector access to the Strategic Priorities Grant, which we understand is targeted towards priority provision at higher education institutions and which supports future skills needs and the Industrial Strategy.
Dr Victoria Hills, Chief Executive of the RTPI, said: “We are extremely disappointed by the decision to restrict levy funding for Level 7 apprenticeships to those aged 16–21.
“This will have a profound impact on the Chartered Town Planner apprenticeship, at a time when the public sector is already facing critical skills shortages. Without urgent action, the profession, and the communities it serves, will continue to suffer from a critical shortage of professional town planners.”
