Hi, I am very keen to become an ATCO. It is something I have wanted to do since I was a child.
Unfortunately I don’t have the required 5 A-C GCES’s needed to apply to NATS.
I have looked in to the other ways of becoming an ATCO e.g. Cwmbran Collage and Astac Ltd. However this a quite expensive option (Cwmbran has said 15-20K)
I would be prepared to go down this route if I could secure a placement for the OTJ training needed to gain a full license afterwards.
I have heard that people get sponsorship from a future employer before training commences.
My questions are:
1. How realistic (sensible) is it to self finances the courses without a placement once the course is finished?
2. How would I go about gaining an OTJ training placement before I have taken the course? Would it be a simple as writing to the relevant units and asking or is there a more effective way?
3. Is there any other way in to the career path that you could recommend or suggest.
I would be very grateful for any suggestions or help regarding this.
Many thanks
