ATC recruitment/training outside of NATS

[GR7]

I am interested in pursuing a career as an Air Traffic Controller, and have made an application to NATS.

Can anybody tell me what the normal route is for becoming a controller at the many non-NATS units in the UK? Are there any less well publicised recruitment schemes which recruit ab-initio students, or companies which have done so in the past?

Thanks.

[WX Man]

Eurocontrol

[niknak]

GR. .The normal route at non - NATS units is to become an ATCA (Air traffic control assistant) first, then be selected for onward training.. .Because of the current and future atco shortages, many units are training their own atcos in preparation for forthcoming retirements. Even at a unit like mine, which is a good place to work, we have difficulty in attracting fully qualified atcos of the right calibre.. .If you're unsuccessful with NATS, by all means try Eurocontrol, but bear in mind you'll never work at an airfield with them. . .If you don't get into NATS, write to every SATCO at every airport you want to work at, selling yourself as a good candidate for any atca vacancies.. .You should be aware that you'll almost certainly be last in the queue, and will have to spend at least 2 years as an atca before being assessed for atco training.. .It's a long drag, but worth it.. .Good luck.

[ 13 February 2002: Message edited by: niknak ]</p>

[tonup]

Try HIAL. They have an ab-initio recruitment scheme and also pay reasonable salaries.. .Their web site has more details,. .<a href="http://www.hial.co.uk" target="_blank">www.hial.co.uk</a>

[GR7]

Thanks for the replies!

I wasn’t aware that HIAL recruited ab-initios – I shall definitely check it out as I live in the north of Scotland. Do they recruit all year round or is the scheme advertised and then closed? I couldn’t find any reference to it on their website.

[bigusdickus]

Try Shearwater Training ( [email protected]) they are developing areas I understand incl the cadet type scheme.

[bird of prey]

just spoken to Hial - not recruiting ab-initio at the moment, didn't give a def next time, maybe 2003. No ATCA jobs, they are advertised locally -for Inverness check the Courier, paper or website.. .Caution Shearwater heard bonding and deal scary with no def job at the end of it!

[Rogdabbit]

Don't become an ATSA with NATS if you want to be a controller!!! Its alot harder to move up as experiance counts for cock all.

[KDL]

Can I therefore ask... what is the best way to inquire about ATCO jobs with Birmingham or East Mid as an ex military controller... directly to their HR dept?

[Chilli Monster]

KDL

Doesn't matter whether you're ex-military (one of loads) or man off the street. Until you have that licence with all 3 ratings they won't be interested. I'd concentrate on that before trying to get the job that you want.

Birmingham being NATS then your best bet is to try and get in via that route. They may take you on as a cadet to get your civil ratings but beware - there's no guarantee you'll end up at Birmingham. It's very similar to the RAF in terms of going where you're told as opposed to where you want.

East Mids - join the queue. One of the places that probably hasn't paid for training in years because lots of people want to work there.

E-mail me direct if you want to know more about moving outside

CM (ex mil AATC, now civil ATCO)

[Gisajob]

GR7

Check out the Safeskys website at <a href="http://www.safeskys.co.uk" target="_blank">www.safeskys.co.uk</a> Safeskys are specialist ATC providers to UK airports.. .They have job opportunities for ATCAs which includes training to become an ATCO and deals for ex-military ATCOs to convert to CAA licences. But, be realistic as there are many more applicants than job opportunities.

[939]

GR7 I believe Safeskys MD would offer you free impartial advice on how best to move forward in your career. look at the website.