Carbide -
Not a valid argument really. The T & D ATCOs at LACC number about 60 at any time. They need to be trained before they are any use to anyone. Whilst training as assistants, they are not of any real use until they are solo, and after a short period of useful employment, they start training again to do their REAL job. In the meantime they have forgotten a good percentage of what they learned at Hurn.
They would need to be replaced, sure, so that the work gets done, but it would only take half the number of ATSAs to fill the posts, as once trained, they stay doing the job.
Tada! Just saved the company about £750,000, increased the number of ATSA posts for the shrinking ATSA cadre, and improved trainees chances of validation. Even our management can't fail to see the plus side of this one.
Oh, and reduced the time taken between starting at the college, and earning ATCO 2 money for subsequent new-starter LACC ATCOs.
