Understanding perceptions of the transport planning professional qualification

Clark, Ben; Lyons, Glenn

Abstract

This report presents the findings from a survey of transport planners conducted in March 2012, which set out to discover how wider uptake of the Transport Planning Professional (TPP) qualification could be encouraged. The survey revealed that: The majority (95 per cent) of respondents were aware of the TPP qualification, but only a minority (one third) of respondents reported a definite intention to apply for the TPP qualification. Younger professionals (aged under 30) were more likely to express an intention to apply for the qualification than older professionals. However, employer support – an important means of encouraging applications - is not currently widespread. In line with expectations, a positive intention to apply was found to be associated with also perceiving personal benefits of the TPP qualification. However, the survey findings suggest that there is some uncertainty surrounding the benefits. This indicates that further evidence is required to clearly demonstrate the personal benefits of achieving the TPP qualification. Some respondents reported that the competency requirements also appear inflexible. In particular at present there appears to be no suitable route ways for specialists such as transport modellers. The guidance notes are also not positively perceived. Less than half of respondents (44 per cent) rated the notes as ‘Helpful and informative’.
Based on these findings, the report concludes with four recommendations 1. Encourage senior professionals to advocate the qualification to more junior staff; 2. Ensure the personal benefits of the qualification are clearly publicised and evidenced; 3. Investigate whether the competency requirements can be made more flexible; and 4. Review the efficacy of the guidance notes and mechanisms through which advice can be sought.

• Report Type: Project Report
• Deposit Date: Feb 5, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2016
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: transport, planning, professional qualification
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/943202
• Contract Date: Feb 22, 2016