Luton Scheme Training Scheme
Luton operated a scheme from the late sixties well into the eighties and trained at least 20 controllers through OJT and attendance at either Hurn or Bailbrook for courses and examination. There was no bonding as such but selection was by merit from the assistants and most remained for many years after qualifying, although there was a surge of leavers in the late eighties. The ability for a student license holder to demonstrate ability on live traffic before a rating course was an aid to an almost 100% success rate from Luton trainees. Possibly there was some parochialism for a while but it wasn't detrimental to overall service provision and didn't last forever as our 'exports' have shown around the world.