View Full Version : Southampton/ Swanwick work experience
F/O UFO
28th Jun 2009, 12:07
Hi there, I am looking to do some ATC work experience this summer and I was wondering if someone could tell me how I should go about getting some. My local airport is Southampton (EGHI) and ofcourse Swanwick is close by. Any help would be much appreciated.
I am 18, just finished A-levels and will pretty much do whatever is going!
HEATHROW DIRECTOR
28th Jun 2009, 16:48
Hi. It's almost impossible to get work experience because ATC staff are highly trained. Controllers hold licences like pilots which involve several years of extensive training. Also, only employees are covered by company insurance. Swanwick would almost certainly be out of the question but I can't say for small aerodromes where you might get work as some sort of ATC clerk, but very few places would take you on for a short period.
If you want to get into ATC why not apply to NATS for a cadetship?
Roffa
28th Jun 2009, 21:07
Errrr HD, Swanwick does take work experience students though obviously they don't get to do the exciting stuff like talking to aeroplanes, though they do get to do the almost as exciting plug in and watch. Dunno who is the point of contact for getting it organised though, sorry.
kats-I
28th Jun 2009, 21:27
I think they have to sponsored by an employee as they have to be escorted everywhere.
HEATHROW DIRECTOR
29th Jun 2009, 06:26
Hi Roffa.. Sorry if I've misunderstood. I know about youngsters sitting in and listening - had a number of them myself - but I thought this person was actually looking to work which, would you agree, not be possible at Swanwick??
F/O UFO
29th Jun 2009, 08:02
sorry if I was not clear. Listening in would be great! I just dont know who to contact
HEATHROW DIRECTOR
29th Jun 2009, 09:07
F/O UFO Problem is, security. It's very difficult for someone not connected with aviation to obtain a visit to an ATC unit. Yonks ago it was a doddle, but not any more. Can something be done officially through your school? We used to get teenagers visiting West Drayton, but that was 10 years ago and things at Swanwick may be worse.... or better.
Good luck
I am 18, just finished A-levels and will pretty much do whatever is going!
As Heathrow Director said, if you're 18 then why not apply to NATS for trainee ATCO? You've got 3 attempts, so what've you got to lose?
It would probably be more worthwhile and productive to apply to NATS, go through selection and just visit Swanwick (and other units if you felt necessary) rather than attempting to get work experience.
I just dont know who to contact
Try the phone book, or look on the NATS website - perhaps HR can provide you with the details you require?