Hybrid Planning recruits apprentice planner 

Specialist urban planning consultancy Hybrid Planning & Development has appointed planning apprentice Lloyd Cooper through the RTPI’s apprenticeship programme. 


Cooper has joined the East London-based firm to learn all aspects of the profession, including policy, the application process and due diligence. He is being mentored by Hybrid’s associate director Sophie Hardy, who described him as “a pleasure to mentor”, adding that “he is inquisitive and eager to learn, acts with integrity, and is always polite and professional”.


She continued: “Apprenticeships offer incredible alternative career paths, and after our involvement in the RTPI’s Explore programme last year, we’ve seen first-hand the difference workplace opportunities can make to young people. We were therefore keen to engage with the RTPI Chartered Town Planner apprenticeship and are very pleased to have secured such a positive and enthusiastic aspiring planner in Lloyd. We are confident he has a bright future.”


Cooper said: “I wanted to do an apprenticeship because of the practical experience I will gain. The degree apprenticeship route offered by the RTPI is a three-year programme, meaning I’ll spend two years at UCL and one year ‘on the job’ training with Hybrid so that I become a Chartered Town Planner.


“A career in planning appeals as it’s very rewarding. To me, it means taking on a responsibility to understand policy and deliver projects in a sustainable way, which is crucial to the future of the planet.’

Image credit | Hybrid Planning & Development