Lana White has joined Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council as its first apprentice in the Planning Department, under a new Higher Level Apprenticeship (HLA) in Planning.

The council has created the earn‑while‑you‑learn role to provide hands‑on experience in local government alongside study for a recognised qualification, marking a milestone as its first apprenticeship opportunity.

The initiative follows a joint recruitment drive by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Belfast City Council, Belfast Metropolitan College and the Department for Infrastructure to attract new talent into planning.

Lana is one of 11 new Trainee Planners appointed across the participating councils and the Department for Infrastructure through the HLA programme, which was designed to tackle sector‑wide recruitment and retention challenges, build local skills and develop the next generation of planning leaders.

The programme offers a full salary while apprentices study for a foundation degree, with no tuition fees or student debt, and enables trainees to learn directly from experienced professionals within council Planning Teams, gaining real‑world insight into how places and communities are shaped.

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Apprentices will complete an FdSc in Property, Housing and Planning at Belfast Metropolitan College, with the option to progress to Ulster University's BSc in Planning, Regeneration and Development.

Department for Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, recently welcomed the cohort to Belfast Met as they begin their first term and 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."

Minister Kimmins congratulated the recruits and wished them well as they embark on their new careers.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray, said, "The HLA programme provides an excellent pathway for the planners of the future, and I am delighted to welcome Lana to our Planning Department.

"She will be working alongside our dedicated Planning team, gaining valuable hands‑on experience while helping to shape the future of our borough.

"We hope to offer more apprenticeship opportunities in the future as we continue to support learning, nurture talent, develop long‑term skills and invest in our future workforce."

Chris Corken, Head of School of Science, Engineering and Construction at Belfast Metropolitan College 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."