Student Planner Program
Gain real world experience on state-significant planning projects at the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA).
We’re looking for three people to join our Student Planner Program. Our program offers 60+ days of paid work, training and mentorship, and priority access to our Graduate Program for ongoing recruitment.
Applications are now open at Student Planner Program 2025.
Olivia Gauci – Student Planner, Melbourne Renewal Precincts
Why join the VPA?
There’s something special about being part of the VPA. From the start, you’ll be part of a highly collaborative and motivated team working towards a common goal: planning for resilient communities of the future.
We make sure Victoria’s cities and towns have equitable access to employment, public transport, innovative public spaces and affordable housing.
You’ll work on projects all across Victoria – in urban renewal areas, middle Melbourne, new communities in the growth corridors, and diverse regional cities and towns.
We’ll make sure you get the experience and resources you need to take with you in the next step of your career.
You’ll get the chance to develop relationships with government departments, agencies, councils, and local communities as we create plans that guide land use and infrastructure planning for important precincts together.
Our culture
We’re proud to be leaders in developing young talent, fostering learning and development for our employees.
We’re building a public sector workforce that is inspiring and diverse. We respect, support, and value our people and their unique differences.
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQ+, and people with disability.
The VPA supports employees through flexible working arrangements and promotes a healthy work/life balance.
About our Student Program
Our Student Planner Program provides industry and workplace experience to students from a range of Victorian universities who will be completing the final year of their undergraduate degree in 2025.
Our Student Planner position is a 60-day (minimum) placement for a motivated and capable final year student studying urban development, town planning, property, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture or equivalent.
Student Planners are given the opportunity to learn from the VPA’s experienced and skilled planners and technical specialists, and will have access to invaluable work experience. They will rotate through the VPA’s internal teams to gain experience across the breadth of specialties and services that the VPA offers.
They will also be given support to develop and grow, including through mentoring, buddying, and training programs.
This is an early-career opportunity to apply your education to the Victorian planning sector, demonstrate your knowledge in practice, and kickstart your career in urban planning.