Name: Lloyd Cooper
Job title: Planning apprentice at Hybrid Planning & Development
What I do: I’m the first ever apprentice at award-winning consultancy Hybrid Planning & Development. I’m doing the degree apprenticeship offered by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), which is a three year programme, meaning I’m spending two years studying for my MSc in spatial planning at the University College of London and one year ‘on the job’ training so that I become a chartered town planner.
Why I got into the property industry: A career in planning appealed as it’s very rewarding. To me, it was a way to gain deep insight into how buildings are constructed and the policies that are in place to deliver projects sustainably, which is crucial to the future of the planet.
How I did it: I knew an apprenticeship would give me practical experience on top of my education, so I researched how this worked, looked up the RTPI and some of the leading companies in the industry and came across Hybrid. I’m thankful for them placing their trust in me and giving me the opportunity.
My first proper job: I worked in a primary school as a teachers’ assistant. It allowed me to see education from the perspective of the teachers; how they interact with students, plan lessons, etc and was interesting to see the other side of an environment I’ve been a part of for two decades!
My inspiration(s): My dad is definitely an inspiration because of how much adversity he’s overcome to become the man he is today. At a similar age to I am now, he left his family in Liberia to build a new life in Europe, with limited resources and no support network. His resilience and drive to be successful is something I admire and appreciate as it’s given me such a strong foundation.
The biggest challenge I’ve encountered to date: At 17, I had the opportunity to become involved in a small business selling pet accessories. I believed this would help me demonstrate entrepreneurship on my CV and would expose me to the realities of running a business. Operating in this sector was challenging not least because it was highly competitive, but also because I had no mentor or experience, very limited funds and found people discounted me because of my age. Despite this, the business ran successfully for 18 months before we closed operations to focus on our careers. The experience taught me a lot about perseverance and self-belief.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Successfully completing my bachelor’s degree in business management and entrepreneurship was definitely a proud moment, especially given how much it meant to my family. But also securing this apprenticeship and starting what I hope will be a life-long career path.
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: I’ve spent most of my life in educational environments and one of the topics always mentioned is that because of policy, planning is restrictive and uncreative. I completely disagree. Planning is integral to sustaining our environments and, in my experience, planning professionals are entirely creative, delivering positive placemaking to preserve and enhance wellbeing and the planet.
My biggest bugbear about the industry: The lack of promotion and interaction at school level. While there are careers fairs, none of these seem to include planning and other disciplines within the industry. It wasn’t until I did my own research that I found this career path. If companies could engage more with schools, the industry could attract the next generation and encourage those with no previous knowledge to learn more.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: Obviously I’d like to be chartered, with the knowledge and experience of managing my own projects and clients. I hope to remain working in urban residential development, as this is extremely important, and I also want to stay in London, although it would be great to have the chance to learn or experience how other countries deliver housing.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: My grandfather. He passed away 10 years ago so I was very young, but I know he cherished me dearly and was always so positive and encouraging, it would be incredible to have another conversation.
What I do in my downtime: I love a new TV series or boxset and I watch a complete range. My favourite this year was the Netflix thriller Lupin. Otherwise, I spend time catching up with friends and family.
The job I’d be doing if not this: I’d love to be a footballer. I grew up as a Manchester United fan (and still am!), and I committed at least 90% of my time to playing, always finding ways to sneak a game in – many of my dad’s framed pictures in our living room got broken because of football. (Sorry dad).
My advice for someone just starting out: Remember that we all start somewhere. I’ve started my career with zero knowledge or experience and believe maintaining a balance of humility, confidence and curiosity is the right approach. These things might seem insignificant, but I’ve already discovered they go a long way.
My motto/mantra: Look forwards forever, look backwards never!
