Birmingham Graduate Hub approved
The largest local government graduate scheme for planning and regeneration professionals has been approved by Birmingham City Council.
The Birmingham Graduate Hub will offer two-year paid positions within the council’s planning and regeneration department. Delivered in two phases, there will be opportunities for 10 graduates this year with the potential for a further 10 the following year. This year’s opportunities are expected to be advertised in the summer.
The scheme supports graduates who have completed a built environment degree, such as geography, planning and regeneration, giving them relevant experience in the profession and the opportunity to work towards membership of a professional body.
Councillor Tahir Ali, cabinet member for transport, development and the economy, at Birmingham City Council, said: “Birmingham is continuing to grow, with more planned and committed investment than at any point in the city’s history. The city council is at the forefront of delivering significant local developments and major national programmes, making a real difference to people’s lives.
“The Graduate Hub will make a real contribution to delivering our growth agenda for Birmingham by making sure the right skills are in place, and will offer graduates a fantastic learning experience on the largest local government graduate programme for the planning profession
“We will also look to work with other public and private sector partners to expand the scope of the Graduate Hub, which will develop a clear partnership approach within the industry.”
Trudi Elliot, chief executive at the Royal Town Planning Institute, added: “Once again Birmingham is leading the way with an innovative scheme which has our full support. In an increasingly competitive job market, an initiative like this will provide valuable opportunities for high calibre graduates to enter local government. It will also ensure a range of graduates are given the chance, over a two year period, to work in the public sector in one of the most exciting planning environments. The new graduate hub will aid their progression as professional planners even if they decide to pursue later roles in private practice, by ensuring they have vital experience of both sectors. We look forward to working the council on this project.”
Chris Webster, the Enterprise Zone Champion for the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership Board, commented: “This programme provides a new and exciting opportunity for graduates to get involved in the decision making which is at the heart of delivering a real difference to the growing renaissance of Birmingham. An essential part of running a successful business is giving people the experiences and support to develop the right skills on their chosen career path. I am pleased that the Local Enterprise Partnership has been able to support the Graduate Hub by contributing funding from the Enterprise Zone.”
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