Help for town planning graduates - graduate jobs

The Government has announced it will spend an extra £1.8m to fund student bursaries for post graduate training at 16 universities in an attempt to find the next generation of town planners.

Planning minister John Healey has confirmed the extra cash to boost the original scheme which began in 2004, with more than 600 students completing their post-graduate planning qualification. In this academic year, 2010/11, more than 180 planning students will have their full tuition fees paid for as well as providing them with help with the cost of living.

The requirement upon graduates of taking up the bursary is that they work in the public sector for at least two of the first five years of their employment.

John Healey said: "We have reformed the planning system so it is faster, fairer and better at fulfilling its crucial role of delivering the homes this country needs and providing critical energy and transport infrastructure.

"But we also need a new generation of planners to make sure we are competitive in the global economy and meet the Government's ambitious low carbon goals. That's why I'm providing the full funding for over 180 students to complete high-level training so they have the right skills to raise standards in the public sector and shape future development in the UK."