Help for a future ATC.

[Kaim230]

Hello everyone I am a 16 year old from the UK I am looking to a ATC. I was just wondering what kind of grades I need from A levels. Ive got the basic for GCSE because I live in Manchester I am really unsure of training facilities and how much they would cost to take. I do know that you have to be 18 to take a course I am going to college in September.

These are the following courses that I am looking to take:

Chemistry,Biology,English Literature and for AS I will be taking history please can someone tell me if this is adequate, A guide to training locations and facts to becoming an ATC would be really helpful thank you for your tie.

Also one further question what are the chances of becoming and ATC and is it really competitive and finally do they do sponsorship for course, I have heard of the NATS paying for your course any confirmation would be great.

ATC= Air Traffic Controller

[Vortex Issues]

NATS (http://natscareers.co.uk/)

NATS Interview/selection help (http://www.pprune.org/atc-issues/265195-nats-interview-process.html)

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_traffic_controller)

Career Guide (http://www.careers-guide.com/job-choices/air-traffic-controller.htm)

Another Career Guide (http://www.tips4jobs.co.uk/job-bank/airport-jobs/air-traffic-controller.php)

A book you can buy on Amazon (http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Become-Air-Traffic-Controller/dp/1907558187) ............... and there is lots more on the internet


That took me less than 5 mins to find on the net. One thing you need to be a controller is initiative

[Gonzo]

Kaim,

Have a look at the NATS careers website (http://www.natscareers.co.uk) and also the sticky thread at the top of the foum.

I think what Yahoo was trying to say was that he thinks you should have realised that he is an Air Traffic Control Officer.

Most of us aren't too worried about that, despite it being our official job title. Elsewhere in the world we are referrred to as ATCs. I really wouldn't worry too much, especially given that the NATS website itself refers to Air Traffic Controllers.:ok:

[eastern wiseguy]

Yahoo...the kid says he is 16....cut him some slack for having the goolies to "enter the lions den " "in complete safety"

Good luck Kaim:ok:

[Atcham Tower]

Well said, Mr Wiseguy! And Gonzo. Read up all you can, Kaim, and go for it!

[Lon More]

Gonzo doesn't mention in his profile that his birthday is March 29 :\


.... or that NATS is not the only game in town

[2 sheds]

Most of us aren't too worried about that, despite it being our official job title. Elsewhere in the world we are referrred to as ATCs. I really wouldn't worry too much, especially given that the NATS website itself refers to Air Traffic Controllers.
Not to mention one's licence! About time this pompous UK ex-Civil Service ATC Officer nonsense was dropped.

2 s

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

There's nothing "pompous" or "nonsense" about it. It was the official grade in the UK Government ATC organisation for many, many years and I was proud to be called an Air Traffic Control Officer. In earlier times I was also a Clerical Officer, which is about as low as one can get. The "officer" doesn't refer to a commissioned rank; it was applied to many grades - Clerical Officer, Executive Officer, Signals Officer, etc.

I note that 2Sheds profile says: Occupation: ATCO