The degree apprenticeship was established in 2019 as a result of the work of a trailblazer group supported by CIHT. The apprenticeship integrates academic learning with practical work experience ensuring that graduates are well-versed in theoretical knowledge and possess valuable industry experience, making them highly skilled and ready to tackle the transport planning challenges facing the sector.

CIHT President Glenn Lyons, who presented awards at the ceremony, expressed his pride in the graduates and the apprenticeship. "It was my great honour to be part of transport planning history yesterday. The first ever cohort of transport planning degree apprentices graduated from Aston University after their five-year journey on a course that Lucy Rackliff had the vision to establish back in 2019," he said. He also highlighted the hard work of course contributors Sarah Spink and Guilhermina Torrao, who played crucial roles in the program's success.

The ceremony was a celebration of the achievements of all graduates: Andrew Carter, Thomas Emery, Amy Gaitskell, Oliver Hopkins-Phillips, Lauren Larkin, Francesca Leonard, Olivia Meacham, Elliott Place, Olivia Thomas, and Jolyon Winkler.

Seven of these recent graduates progressed from the Transport Planning Technician apprenticeship, which leads to EngTech registration through CIHT and is a qualifying route to the transport planning degree apprenticeship, delivered by Aston University. CIHT is an End Point Assessment Organisation for the Transport Planning Technician apprenticeship.

Two CIHT Foundation student prizes were awarded during the event. Olivia Thomas received recognition for her exceptional dissertation on "Opportunities and Constraints of Integrating Dutch Engineering Principles into Local UK Design Guidance and Its Value in Achieving Net Zero by Promoting Cycling."

Francesca Leonard was awarded for the best overall performance on the apprenticeship. Her consistent excellence throughout the apprenticeship exemplifies the high standards and dedication expected of transport planning professionals.

Glenn Lyons, donned in graduation robes and an Iron Maiden t-shirt, underscored the importance of authenticity, sustainability, and professionalism in his speech. "So, my encouragement to you all as you make your way in your careers is to try and bring as much of your authentic selves as you can to your professional roles and your lives in general. We expect professional transport planners to be constructively challenging. So, question how things are done if they don’t seem right to you, play a part in changing how things are done," he advised the new graduates.

As the first graduates of this pioneering program, these apprentices are set to make significant contributions to the future of transport planning in the UK. Their journey reflects the growing need for skilled professionals who are prepared to address the complex challenges of modern transport systems.

For more information on the transport planning degree apprenticeship and other apprenticeships in highways and transportation, please visit Apprenticeship Schemes | CIHT