Apprentice Stories
Claire Garbett – Enforcement Officer
Claire already works for Harborough District Council in the Planning Enforcement team. She will be commencing a formal qualification through the apprenticeship route in a few weeks’ time. When she begins her course she will do this alongside her existing role, allowing her to put into practice what she is learning from day one. Here we find out how she is feeling about her apprenticeship journey beginning.
What is your current role?
I have recently moved to the enforcement side of planning as an Enforcement Officer. Previously, I worked in planning admin for 4 years which gave me a basic knowledge of planning and a keen interest to learn more.
As a Planning Enforcement Officer my job is to investigate all complaints relating to planning that come through externally and internally. We are legally obliged to investigate all complaints but it is up to us as a team to decide whether it is expedient to take action.
What apprenticeship qualification will you be doing?
I’ll be doing the Level 4 Town and Country Planning Apprenticeship through Chichester College, the only college to offer this currently.
Why did you want to undertake this apprenticeship qualification?
I am currently learning on the job as it were so the Level 4 Town and Country Planning Apprenticeship will help me build my knowledge and allow me to do my job with more confidence. When I was first approached with the idea, I immediately dismissed it as it has been years since I was at school and my memories aren’t particularly great - I couldn’t wait to leave and get a job. However, the more I thought about what was being offered to me, the more I began to think maybe I could go ‘back to school’ - maybe I could do something for me, and learn the skills to be the best I can be in a new field that I already love.
How are you feeling about starting the apprenticeship?
I am still pretty nervous about starting the course and I’m really hoping that I’m not the oldest one there. Despite my nerves I am looking forward to learning again and improving my skills and knowledge in the planning enforcement arena.
How will the apprenticeship help you in your career going forwards?
At the end of my apprenticeship, I will be able to become RTPI registered. The RTPI is The Royal Town Planning Institute and is a leading international professional body for town planners. Becoming a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute means I will be fully qualified and can officially call myself a Chartered Town Planner and put the professional letters 'MRTPI' after my name. This will be great for me because it is:
• The hallmark of professional expertise and integrity
• Recognition of high-quality skills
• An achievement that is recognised around the world, and
• A way to increase your employability.
We wish Claire all the best for when her course starts, and who knows, when she passes, she may take up the chance to go onto the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship afterwards and become a qualified Planner.