Planning Apprentice (Apprentice Planning Technical Support Officer)

East Herts District Council; Hertford; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid work arrangement

Local Government pension scheme

Free parking in offices

Job summary

East Herts District Council is seeking a motivated individual to join the Planning Support Team as an Apprentice - Planning Technical Support Officer. You will work on planning applications, appeals and enquiries while pursuing a Level 4 Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship.

You’ll gain hands-on experience, develop IT and planning knowledge, and have opportunities for cross-department collaboration. The role offers flexible working with some remote days and a supportive development environment.

Qualifications

• Structured on-the-job learning with practical planning experience.
• Strong organisational and communication skills required.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced enviroment.

Responsibilities

• Process and validate planning and related applications.
• Support consultations, notifications and appeals administration.
• Maintain accurate planning and enforcement records.
• Respond to customer enquiries and support the Planning Support Team.
• Study for Level 4 apprenticeship one day per week.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

IT literacy

Education

Level 4 Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship

Tools

IT systems

Job description

Job Introduction

Are you a detailed, focused, enthusiastic team player who enjoys a fast-paced, inclusive and interesting working environment? Are you interested in the built environment?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team! If we are a good fit for you, you will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of planning matters including planning applications, appeals and enquiries.

As part of the role, you will complete the Level 4 Town Planning Assistant Apprenticeship, combining structured learning with practical experience in the Planning Support Team. You will develop your knowledge of the planning system while gradually taking on more technical responsibilities as your skills and confidence grow. Find out more information about the apprenticeship here: https://www.jga-group.com/town-planning-assistant-apprenticeship/ and here https://skillsengland.education.gov.uk/apprenticeship-standards/st0936-v1-0.

What will you be doing?

• Processing and validating planning and related applications
• Supporting consultations, notifications and appeals administration
• Maintaining accurate planning and enforcement records
• Responding to customer enquiries and supporting the wider Planning Support Team
• Studying for your Level 4 apprenticeship one day per week

About You

• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence using IT systems and learning new software.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• A positive attitude, willingness to learn and an interest in planning and local government.

What can we offer you?

• Opportunities for growth and cross- department working, learning new skills and service areas
• 26-29 days annual leave rising to 34 days with 5 years' local government service
• Usage of our e-fleet during business hours for business-related visits
• Employee well-being programme
• Employee events group
• Regular opportunities to socialise with other teams within the council
• Flexible working arrangements, including flexi-time
• Up to 50% working from home for eligible posts
• Free parking in our offices and select council owned car parks during business hours
• Access to wellbeing and occupational health schemes such as the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Local Government pension scheme
• Discounts at council-owned leisure centres
• Opportunity to network with colleagues across councils in Hertfordshire and the East Of England
• Professional environment where your career path really matters and your development is supported by the organisation

Closing date: 12 November 2026 at 11:59pm.

Interviews will be held shortly after, a date to be scheduled.

We as a council are ambitious. To find out more about our ambitions and what it’s like working at East Herts, hear from our employees on our careers site.

In accordance with council policy, new appointments will normally be made at the first SCP point of the relevant grade. If, at the offer stage, a candidate can provide clear evidence that their skills and/or experience align with a higher point within the grade, appointment at the next SCP point may be considered. Any such decision must be reviewed and approved by the Director for Place and Deputy Chief Executive.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, valuing diversity and maintaining a firm commitment to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants. We believe that creating inclusive environments leads to stronger collaboration and better outcomes in our work.

Find out more about our disability confident scheme.

Attached documents:

• Apprentice - Planning Technical Support Officer October 2026.pdf -