I am a
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Transport planner

Transport planners manage road, rail and air transport networks at local, regional and national level.

Average annual salary

£20,000 to £44,000

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Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You can do a degree and then join an organisation as a trainee transport planner. Most subjects are accepted though you may have an advantage if you study:

  • geography
  • civil engineering
  • economics
  • town planning
  • environmental science
  • business studies

Many graduates go on to do a postgraduate qualification in transport planning approved by the Transport Planning Society .

Getting work experience through internships, summer placements or a year in industry may give you an advantage when applying for graduate roles. Your university careers service can help you to find opportunities during your studies.

Entry requirements:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You can start by doing a transport planning technician advanced apprenticeship, then move on to a transport planner degree apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:
  • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
  • maths knowledge
  • knowledge of engineering science and technology
  • design skills and knowledge
  • analytical thinking skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • complex problem-solving skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to read English
  • the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of English language
  • leadership skills
  • active listening skills
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • excellent written communication skills
  • concentration skills
  • a good memory
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What you'll do:

Transport planners manage road, rail and air transport networks at local, regional and national level.

In this role you could:

  • simulate transport problems using computer models
  • analyse and interpret data from transport studies
  • forecast the impact of new developments like shopping centres
  • look at schemes to manage traffic, like congestion charging or parking controls
  • study accident 'black spots' to design road safety improvements
  • write reports for funding bids and planning authorities
  • act as an expert witness during public enquiries
  • promote the benefits of public transport, cycling and walking to get around

Location : You could work in an office or visit sites.

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Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £44,000

These figures are a guide

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Working hours:

41 - 43 hours a week

Working Pattern is 9am to 5pm

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Career Path:

There are opportunities to work in the public and private sector, from local and central government to transport companies, small and large consultancies.

You could become a senior transport planner or traffic engineer and manage projects or teams. You might also move into town planning, policy development or environmental consultancy.

You may improve your career prospects by completing the Transport Planning Professional qualification , or by getting chartered status with a relevant professional body.

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