Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has welcomed eleven new trainee planners as they begin the first term of a three‑year programme at Belfast Metropolitan College.

The Department for Infrastructure has partnered with participating local councils to support the cohort as they work towards a Foundation Degree in Property, Housing & Planning.

Speaking at a reception at Belfast Met, Minister Kimmins said: "Planners bring enormous benefits to communities, the environment, the economy, to government and to everyday life. This Trainee Planner Programme will provide our new planning trainees with a great opportunity to work towards a qualification and a career that will allow them to play a key role in how the environment in which we live and work, is shaped for future generations.

"This is the first time since the reform of planning in 2015 that staff have been appointed to the trainee planner grade. It is just one of a number of positive steps that I am taking to address issues with recruitment and retention in the system and reflects my own commitment to improving the planning system, not only for the wider public, but also to support the health and wellbeing of those staff already working in the system.

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"I would like to congratulate the new recruits and wish them every success as they embark on their new career paths through this comprehensive programme, which consists of both on the job training and study at Belfast Met."

Concluding, Minister Kimmins added: "I hope to work with councils on future initiatives and that this will be just the first of many trainee planner intakes ahead."

Chris 2Corken, Head of School of Science, Engineering & Construction at Belfast Met, said: Belfast Met is delighted to play a central role in this innovative Trainee Planner Programme. This initiative reflects exactly what can be achieved through genuine collaboration between the Department for Infrastructure, local councils and further education. By investing in new talent, we are strengthening the future of the planning profession and supporting the wider construction and built environment sectors. I commend the Minister for her leadership and commitment to ensuring our trainees have the opportunity, skills and confidence to shape the places and communities of tomorrow."

The Department has appointed six trainees, with a further five recruited across participating councils. The councils involved include Belfast; Newry, Mourne and Down; Antrim and Newtownabbey; and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon. The initiative forms part of the wider Planning Improvement Programme aimed at tackling recruitment and retention challenges, building capacity and capability, and supporting succession planning.

The learning and development plan is designed to provide breadth and depth of experience, competency development and practical application of skills, alongside progressively greater responsibility for work‑based tasks and reflective practice. Key learning will be supplemented by formal in‑house training delivered in conjunction with local government trainees.