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Jonny M
22nd Apr 2007, 14:14
Hi Guys,
Probably not the first thread of this type in here, but oh well, here goes!
This August I am due to have a week of work experience. I live in the London Area (well...St. Albans,Herts. to be precise!), and am extremely interested in aviation. ATC in particular. I would therefore be most grateful for any help in organising this week. Be it contacts that i could e-mail perhaps, or, infact, a contact on here, who could be a help me directly.
As before, all help much appreciated. Feel free to PM me if that's better.
John M

Jonny M
23rd Apr 2007, 17:27
bump - can anyone help?

richyinnewcastle
23rd Apr 2007, 18:08
hey jonny,

I cant help at all I'm afraid, but just one thing.. I remember when I was in your situation (about 6 years ago) I visited my local tower for the day on my weeks experience on the Monday, then done the other 4 days somewhere else entirely. It could be a big ask to be taken on for a week, but a day or so may be more manageable. Your school will probably understand and also I think they do like you to be quite active on your weeks work rather than just observing (as interesting as atc is) :)

I would definitely encourage you to keep trying though, as my day left a really good impression on me and was my life plan really from then! hence a sept start! but yer, good luck, and maybe think about asking for a day, or an afternoon or even a few hours (your school will never know!) you might have a better shot! not know any atc's through friends or family?? thats how I got mine..

goodluckage :ok:

rich

smellysnelly2004
23rd Apr 2007, 18:10
I would look up numbers for local airports (probably smaller the better) and ask to speak to watch manager at the tower. You may not get anywhere but if you don't ask.....:)

j2wo
23rd Apr 2007, 18:15
Hey mate,

I'm 16, and had my work experience week last year (06).

Last year in May, by planning ahead well in advance - 6 months, doing my own research, I was able to get a full week, 5 days, of work experience at a local small private airfield (won't name) but ring up/email/get on their website and ask politely.

Also, NATS at Swanwick (LACC) offer work experience, or at least they did in '05/'06 don't know what the case is now. If your prepared to go down there as I know you said you live in London area.

Good luck, feel free to PM me with anything.

Scarf
23rd Apr 2007, 18:28
Jonny,

A fair while since I did my work expereince, but I managed to get a fortnight at a local tower. The best thing to do is search out telephone numbers and stuff, even try dropping into your local airport and head to the info desk (they will more than likely point you in the right direction)

It took a lot of pre-planning to be able to get the space, so start work now! (I think i applied in September for the work experience the following May.. and i only just got it!). That's all I can offer really, hope you can get it sorted and enjoy the fortnight as much as I did!

Scarf

Dan Dare
23rd Apr 2007, 19:16
Jonny,

Although I commend your enthusiasm to find work experience with Air Traffic Control, I think you'll find that a whole week in a tower can be very boring unless you fully understand what is going on. I would recommend that you approach the aerodrome authorities with your request for work exoerience, with the opportunity to visit the tower during your time there.

With security the way it is these days you would have little chance to get in with Stansted, Luton or Heathrow (it has been done, but you would probably need a contact working fo you). There are some smaller airfields near you including RAF Halton (no Air Traffic), Elstree & Denham (Flight Information Services), Cranfield, Wycombe, RAF Benson, RAF Northolt (Full Air Traffic Control). If you write to the airfield manager or Station Commander of these you could strike lucky, but it is probably a case of being in the right place at the right time - like many things in life.

Good luck

timelapse
23rd Apr 2007, 19:47
I'm pretty sure I've seen some people on work experience at Cranfield.. it's quite an interesting place too

Jonny M
23rd Apr 2007, 21:33
Thanks to all, some excellent suggstions,
I should probably explained, i have already spent a week experience at LACC Swanwick (A great week, recomendable to all). I fy from elstree occasionaly, and haveasked before to no avail, although, no harm trying again i supppose!
Thanks again, anymore ideas still welcome ;)
Jonny