In a pioneering move for NSW, aspiring planners will soon have the opportunity to embark on a TAFE pathway into the planning profession, with a newly launched diploma now open for enrolment.
The ground-breaking Diploma of Local Government (Planning) is designed to support school leavers and aspiring planners on their journey into paraplanning, a key role that involves conducting initial assessments, research and reviews to provide valuable support to planners.
Developed through a collaboration between the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, TAFE NSW, Local Government NSW and the Planning Institute of Australia, this diploma has been tailored from the TAFE SA curriculum to reflect NSW planning practice.
Identified by the Australian National Skills Commission as a skills shortage area with robust future demand, planning has significant potential for growth, making this diploma an invaluable asset.
In a recent survey, more than 85 per cent of council respondents said they would consider upskilling existing staff with this qualification or employing planning cadets currently enrolled on the Diploma.
With delays in housing approvals exacerbated by a shortage of planners, it's vital to equip the next generation of planners with the skills to speed up processes and meet housing needs.
In addition to the TAFE Diploma, the Strong Start Mentoring Program, which launched in February with 60 mentors, continues to thrive with registrations now open for up to 250 planning mentors and mentees.
The programme, which invites planning students and recent graduates from councils across the country to register for professional coaching and support, aims to encourage growth and development within the planning community.
Senior planners in local government are also encouraged to register as mentors, building on the success of last year's programme, where participants reported improved career development, job satisfaction and personal growth.
With ongoing professional development, quarterly check-ins and peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities, this comprehensive program is poised to shape the future of planning in NSW.
For more information, visit Strong Start.