New cadet planning program to provide opportunities and address skills shortage
Published Monday, 8 January 2024
A new initiative designed to attract young people to become skilled para planners has been established by the State Government to help address the skill shortages in the built environment professions.
The Para Planner Cadet Program is a new initiative designed to attract young people to become skilled para planners - who play an important role in shaping the future of our state.
The pilot program led by the Planning and Land Use Services (PLUS) in the Department for Trade and Investment is a collaborative effort between the Department for Education, TAFE SA and the Planning Institute of Australia – SA.
Starting in 2024, the program will run for 2.5 years, concluding in June 2027.
Cadets will gain valuable work experience while undertaking a Diploma in Local Government (Planning) through TAFE SA.
The Para Planner Cadet program is open to all people under 21, including high school leavers regardless of ATAR results and offers a hands-on, practical approach to workforce development.
PLUS is encouraging the private sector and SA Councils to offer the cadetship placements, which provide organisations opportunities to support young people, whilst addressing the current skills shortage in urban and regional planners.
A para planner plays a crucial role in supporting qualified planners by contributing to professional projects, participating in on-the-job training, answering customer queries, and undertaking assessments as part of development application processes.
The program launches as the final deadline for preference changes for undergraduate enrolments in Semester One of 2024 passes providing an alternative career pathway that may not have previously been considered.
