Transport planner

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.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

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

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 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

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Transport Planning Society or The Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a transport planner from the Transport Planning Society.

You'll need:

• 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
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• simulating transport problems using computer models
• analysing and interpreting data from transport studies
• forecasting the impact of new developments like shopping centres
• looking at schemes to manage traffic, like congestion charging or parking controls
• studying accident 'black spots' to design road safety improvements
• writing reports for funding bids and planning authorities
• acting as an expert witness during public enquiries
• promoting the benefits of public transport, cycling and walking to get around

You could work in an office or visit sites.