Training to be an ATCO

[skydiverppl]

Can someone give me a brief run down of how one trains to become an ATCO in the UK?

[Inverted81]

Hi
U want a brief answer to a very complicated question.
I can only give details on the National Air Traffic Services (NATS) side of things as i'm currently in the process. (at 4 at the mo! lol)
1) Apply at www.nats.co.uk
2) If successful go to initial selection
3) if successful go to interview
4) if successful go to college
5) if successful go to unit to validate
6) Finally, if successful, have a long atco career
7) From what everyone tells me, you never stop training/learning on the job.


I guess this will be the similar path for other companies and routes with slight variations throughout. The real detail of areas in which you can work in ATC can vary as well.... search this forum, and you'll find as much info as you need!

Chris :}

[ILS 119.5]

Don't bother become a plumber it's better paid and no shift work

[Jerricho]

Why's that then ILS?

You thinking of starting "Plumbing Introductions?"

(Ignore him chris)

[Inverted81]

I got no problem with it... (i'm already training! Its scots who asked the q)
plumber? nah! all the brown stuff ya have to deal with... :yuk:

c

[Jerricho]

all the brown stuff ya have to deal with

It's called management.

Oh so young and innocent.

[ILS 119.5]

Ok
Two ways around it, firstly as the previous post says. Or secondaly, become an ATCA, let your company sponser you through your aerodrome rating, validate then do the approach side. If you want to do area then you will have to go through NATS. I did the whole lot through NATS and preferred approach control
Rgds
ILS 119.5

[BALIX]

and no shift work

Haven't you heard of 24 hour plumbers? True, they come at a premium which is worth a damn sight more than our UHP :hmm:

[ILS 119.5]

correct, so be a plumber. just been with a friend today £2000.00 a week. Not bad.