Transport Planning Officer Apprentice

Job Introduction

Are you passionate about shaping the future of transport and creating a better-connected West Midlands?

This is an exciting opportunity to join Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) as a Transport Planning Officer Apprentice, where you will gain hands-on experience supporting projects that influence how people travel, work and live across the region.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) are coordinating transport projects with a total value in the billions of pounds, through the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) and West Midlands Integrated Settlement (IS) agreement including Metro, rail stations, bus priority, and walking and cycling routes.

Working alongside experienced transport planners and industry specialists, and engaging with stakeholders, you will contribute to business case development for these and other projects and policies. You will develop skills in leading-edge transport modelling, GIS, and data analysis, project appraisal, and monitoring and evaluation, .

You'll contribute to real-world transport initiatives, support funding bids and investment decisions, and help deliver evidence-based solutions that support economic growth, sustainability and improved accessibility.

The WMCA Apprentice Development Programme forms part of our wider Emerging Talent offer and supports our People and Culture Strategy by helping to build the skills, capability and future workforce we need across the organisation – in turn you will receive a structured apprenticeship programme, giving you access to professional training, mentorship and practical experience that will equip you for a rewarding career in transport planning.

Please note this is a 3.5 year fixed-term contract in line with the apprenticeship.

What you will be doing

• Support the planning and delivery of major transport projects that improve connectivity and economic growth across the West Midlands.
• Analyse transport, economic and demographic data to help shape evidence-based investment and policy decisions.
• Develop expertise in industry-leading transport planning tools, including transport models, GIS mapping and accessibility analysis.
• Assist with project appraisals, monitoring and evaluation activities to measure the impact of transport schemes and programmes.
• Contribute to research, business cases and funding bids that help secure investment for regional transport initiatives.
• Work alongside experienced transport planners, consultants and stakeholders, gaining hands-on experience across a wide range of transport projects.
• Participate in public engagement and stakeholder consultation activities, helping to shape transport solutions that meet local needs.

What you need

• Three A levels (or equivalent at Btec or T-Level) at BBB or above and GCSEs in English, Maths and IT (grade 4/C or above)
• Experience working in a team environment (e.g. school, volunteering, part-time job)
• Experience supporting projects or events
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, combining remote and office-based work
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Good analytical skills, able to review information and determine the best approach
• Ability to communicate to people through strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to manage time and prioritise tasks effectively
• Willingness to learn and take initiative
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Willingness to complete the level 6 Transport Planner degree apprenticeship

Please don’t be put off by applying if you don’t receive your exam results until August 2026. We still want to hear from you!

Location and Apprenticeship Commitment

This role is based at our offices – 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD. We currently operate a hybrid working model, which means splitting your days across the office and home, subject to work demands and agreement with your line manager.

As this is an apprenticeship, 20% can be completed within work-time and will supported, but there will also be a requirement of in-person learning at Northeastern University, London, in Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3 – totalling 3 weeks of 5 consecutive day sessions (15 days) for in-person learning across the programme.

How to apply.

Follow our application process – there will be some pre-application questionnaires for you to fill in.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do really matters; your expertise will help make a big difference to improving people's lives.

Our Values and Behaviours.

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focussed on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, including the RACE Code Quality Mark and Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status), and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supports fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements before any employment offer can be confirmed. In addition to this, you must have the Right to Work valid for the duration of the apprenticeship, which for this opportunity is 3.5 years.