An initiative designed to encourage young people to become para planners has been established by South Australia’s government, to help address skill shortages in the built environment professions.
The pilot Para Planner Cadet Program is being led by Planning and Land Use Services (PLUS) in the Department for Trade and Investment, and is a collaborative effort between the Department for Education, TAFE SA and the Planning Institute of Australia–SA.
Commencing in 2024, the program will run for 2.5 years and will see cadets gaining valuable work experience while undertaking a Diploma in Local Government (Planning) through TAFE SA.
The program is open to those under the age of 21, including high school leavers, regardless of ATAR results. PLUS is encouraging the private sector and SA Councils to offer the cadetship placements.
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.
