What is the Future Planners Programme?
The Future Planners Programme is a unique graduate scheme for ambitious graduates, who are eager to step into the world of Planning.
This is an exciting opportunity to study towards a fully funded postgraduate degree in Planning whilst working at the Scottish Government, setting you on the path to becoming a qualified Planning professional.
You will have the opportunity to contribute to a range of key Planning priorities, working with ministers and teams across government. Examples include helping to accelerate Planning for new developments, delivering initiatives to address the housing shortage and climate crisis, and projects aimed at boosting economic growth and attracting new investors to Scotland.
Applications close: Wednesday 19 March 2025
18 positions available
About the programme
Programme details
- The Future Planners programme is a 23-month fixed term graduate programme, open to graduates of any degree subject.
- Over the duration of the programme, you will gain invaluable work experience in placements lasting a minimum of 6 months across three dynamic areas of Government; Economy, Corporate, and Net Zero.
- Successful candidates will need to attend our Edinburgh office regularly, as well as their selected university.
- At the end of the programme, graduates will be free to apply for a Planning role in government.
What qualification will I gain?
As part of the Future Planners Programme, you will study a postgraduate degree in Planning, part-time over 2 years, at one of three partner universities:
Each of these courses are fully accredited with the Royal Town Planning Institute, the membership organisation and Chartered Institute for planners, meaning that you will be able to start the journey to becoming a Chartered Planner whilst undertaking your university degree.
For more information on the courses available please visit the job advert, or our candidate guide.
What is planning
Planning manages the development and use of land and buildings in the long term public interest. Planners consider how a place should change over time, making balanced decisions with people, place and sustainability at the heart.
The Government Planning Profession is recognised as one of the UK-wide Civil Service professions. Within the Scottish Government, we ensure early career planners have the support they need to gain a breadth of experience in planning work.
Planners have skills in a wide range of disciplines. Careers vary widely and encompass subject specialisms that reflect the changing world around us. Planners could be involved in planning future homes, community facilities, or deciding where wind farms, businesses and infrastructure should be located.
Who can apply
If you are passionate about Planning, ready to embrace challenges and learn in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you!
Whatever your background, age or degree subject, we value who you are and what you can bring to the programme.
- You can be a recent graduate, or have achieved your qualification anytime in the past.
- Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree with a grade of 2:2 or above.
- Students due to complete their undergraduate degree in spring/summer 2025 are eligible to apply.
“As part of the next generation of enthusiastic, committed and skilled town planners, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real contribution to Scotland’s future. We need people who care about people and places and want to make a difference. If you’re up for this challenge, we’ll help you get there.”
Fiona Simpson, Scottish Government Chief Planner and Director of Planning, Architecture and Regeneration Directorate.
What can we offer you?
- A competitive salary starting at £32,455, and a generous pension scheme.
- A fully funded place on a postgraduate planning course, fully accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute at one of three universities.
- The opportunity to work and learn from some of the best planners from across the Scottish Civil Service.
- A friendly and supportive mentor, who will offer their time supporting you with learning and development opportunities to take into future employment.
- A diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual’s contribution is welcomed and valued.
- Flexible work opportunities, staff discount schemes, and much more.
Diversity and inclusion
We are committed to recruiting a workforce which is reflective of our diverse population, where individual contributions are encouraged and valued.
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants have the opportunity to perform at their best and we offer recruitment and workplace adjustments to anyone who needs them.
Application tips
Read our top tips for shaping your application.
Our Candidate Guide
A detailed guide to our Future Planners Programme.
Ready to apply?
Take the next step in your planning career journey, submit an application for our Future Planners programme today!