Public Practice Associate

About the Programme

We run a 12-month placement programme for mid-career level built environment practitioners looking for a career change (Associates), and place them in paid work placements at public sector organisations looking for new skills and expertise (Authorities).

Becoming an Associate involves a competitive three-stage application process, which has been designed to remove as much bias as possible. If you are successful, we match you with a role at an Authority that suits your skills and provides you with the best opportunity to make a positive impact. As you start your new role at the Authority, you will also join a Learning & Development (L&D) programme alongside other Associates who are passionate about making better places.

Types of roles we recruit:

• Sustainability
• Urban Design
• Digital & Data
• Town Centre Regeneration
• Community Engagement
• Property Development
• Masterplanning & Green Infrastructure
• Planning
• Infrastructure & Utilities

Why should I apply to become an Associate?

The Associate programme is designed for built environment practitioners looking to use their skills for the public good. In a world facing climate change, pandemic recovery, and social injustice, the need for people to use their skills towards shaping better places is stronger than ever.

As an Associate, you will:

• Secure a 12-month (or longer) employment contract within a forward-thinking Authority
• Join a community of like-minded practitioners from a diverse range of skills and backgrounds, all passionate about making better places.
• Gain valuable training on the essentials of working in local government through our L&D programme.
• Share knowledge and receive support from a network of public sector officers across England.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the programme, you must:

• Have the right to work in the UK
• Be able to commit to a placement for 12-months starting either April or October 
• Be willing to accept a salary of £30,000–£70,000 per annum
• Have at least three years of relevant professional experience
• Be able to work in the North East, North West, Yorkshire & the Humber, South East, London, or the East of England

What type of experience do I need to have?

We have no fixed requirements regarding your qualifications, background or age, but we do expect Associates to have a minimum of three years’ experience in practice (there is no upper limit). 

We want our cohorts to be diverse in terms of skills, experience, and disciplines so encourage applications from sections of the community that are under-represented in the built environment sector, or perhaps have not traditionally considered their skills and attributes as being well suited for place-shaping roles within the public sector. 

How do I apply?

We have developed a application process that strives to ensure everyone is given equal opportunity to demonstrate their unique skill set. It is a competitive process that takes around 4 months. On average, 1 in 10 applicants are successful. 

Stage 1: Online Application

• Answer four long-answer questions
• Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements

Stage 2: Placement Workshop

• Provide further information to support your application (including work samples and your CV)
• Join an online assessment day, including a presentation, group exercise and an interview

Stage 3: Authority Interview

• Meet the Authority you have been matched with directly before confirming your match.

Key Dates

• Applications close at midday Monday 30 May
• Candidates will need to be available for a full-day online assessment during the week of 4 July.
• Placements begin on Monday 3 October

Want to learn more?

• Read the Associate Prospectus
• Join our online Open Evening on Tuesday 24 May
• Watch the Career Shaping video series with our Alumni
• Visit our website