Closing date: 02/08/2026
Reference: REQ106791
37 hours / Fixed-Term
26,403 - 27,694 *
Penmorfa, Aberaeron
- All salary values are pro-rata.
About the role
Looking to start a career in planning? Ready to help shape the future of Ceredigion? Interested in how towns, villages and communities grow and develop?
We are looking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our Planning Service as a graduate trainee. This is an excellent opportunity to gain 12 months of hands-on experience in a professional planning environment, working on real projects that make a difference to communities across the county. You’ll also be supported to complete an accredited PRINCE2 project management qualification and apply your learning to real service priorities.
The Planning Service, which deals with statutory duties and requirements under the Town and County Planning Acts and other related legislation, plays a vital role in balancing development, environmental protection and economic growth. Working alongside experienced planning professionals, you’ll develop practical skills and knowledge in the field, whilst building a strong foundation for a future career in planning.
What you’ll be doing
Help provide an effective, efficient, responsive and high-quality planning service.
Undertake some small case work and research for planning policy and;
Provide support to the officers across the service including enforcement, development management and planning policy.
Who we’re looking for
You’ll have a 2:1 degree or above, obtained within the last 3 years. A degree in Town and Country Planning (or a related discipline), or an equivalent combination of planning knowledge and experience, would be particularly desirable.
With an ability to communicate impartially, professionally and effectively with a wide range of people at various levels.
With an ability to work with limited supervision and to work to tight deadlines; and
With a strong commitment to providing a high-quality service to the public and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction.
The post requires a degree of fluency in the Welsh language. However, if you do not currently meet the required standard, we will fully support you to achieve it after appointment.
What’s in it for you?
A 12-month paid graduate role with valuable hands-on experience.
Professional support, mentoring and development from experienced planning professionals.
The opportunity to gain practical experience across several areas of planning.
27 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays.
Hybrid working, subject to suitable homeworking arrangements and service requirements.
Flexi-time, allowing you to work flexibly between 7:30am and 7:00pm.
An opportunity to build the knowledge, experience and professional network needed for a successful career in planning.
If you’re ready to start a career where you can make a lasting impact on communities, landscapes and the future of Ceredigion, we’d love to hear from you!
Additional Information
For detailed information on this role, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification . You can also find out more about the Planning Service and working at Team Ceredigion here . There is also more information about the Graduate Trainee Scheme here .
For an informal discussion, please contact Catrin Newbold (Service Manager – Development Management) on Tel: (01545) 572131.
Successful candidates will be invited to remote interviews held on Thursday, 6 th August.
Please note that the advertised salary for this position is subject to the pending 2026/2027 national pay award. The final salary will be adjusted accordingly once this has been agreed.
What we offer
Work-life balance
Lifestyle savings scheme
Generous employer pension scheme
Cycle to work scheme
Learning and development
Where you'll work
Economy and Regeneration
We play a fundamental role in the delivery of the Council’s key Corporate Strategy objective that seeks to boost the economy of the County and the Mid Wales region. We are organised into three main sections: Economy, Planning and Property Services. Our primary functions include:
Growth and Enterprise: Supporting economic growth and regeneration locally and across the region; Growing Mid Wales; the Corporate Estate and Development Opportunities; Project Support; European and local funding; Food Centre Wales and supporting Agri-Food development; Tourism promotion and development; Tourist Information Centres; Coast and Countryside
Planning Services: Supporting growth through Planning and Building Control Services; Strategic and Local Land Use Planning Policy; Development Management; Building Control; and Land Searches.
Property Services: Supporting the Council’s programme through Project Management; Property and Building Maintenance; Facilities Management; Carbon Management; and the Efficient Use of Council Property.
Penmorfa
Penmorfa is our most central office, it is where our Chief Executive and Councillors are based.
Aberaeron
Aberaeron is a picture perfect harbour town and is one of Ceredigion's best loved holiday destinations with fashionable places to stay and eat.
