IAA Student Controller Program thoughts?

[AirCrafficTontroller]

Having read a couple of (very) old threads on here, it gives me a bad impression about the program and IAA overall.

Has anyone recently gone through it? Also has the IAA improved at all in the past decade?

Also a question for any Irish controllers: After completing the course is it possible to apply to be stationed in Dublin if you have been stationed in Shannon for example? The thought of having to live in Cork/Shannon turns me off the program.

[confused atco]

Regarding future IAA recruitment.

IAA constantly take "expressions of interest" for future SCP intakes.

When they are likely to need staff they will ask those on the list to do the FEAST test.

From this pool they will then offer the course start date.

They will offer places until they have then number of students they require.

After completing the course is it possible to apply to be stationed in Dublin if you have been stationed in Shannon for example?
and
The thought of having to live in Cork/Shannon turns me off the program.

Recruitment will be based on planned need.


They are currently recruiting direct entry ATCO's.

https://www.iaa.ie/careers/current-vacancies/temporary-air-traffic-controllers

So future SCP programs????????????????

and

Also has the IAA improved at all in the past decade?
????????????

[AirCrafficTontroller]

But hypothetically, if I completed the training course and was stationed at Shannon, would it be possible at some point in the future to move to Dublin?

[Bright-Ling]

Wow, nothing like questioning an organization and scheme that you want to join!

The training is done by Entry Point North so the best in Europe, if not the world.

[confused atco]

if I completed the training course and was stationed at Shannon, would it be possible at some point in the future to move to Dublin?
Qualified yes.

Could be waiting a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time though.

[Jwscud]

The training is done by Entry Point North so the best in Europe, if not the world.

It must be to get them to speak that quickly. I would imagine War and Peace read by a Dublin controller would be a 20 minute podcast...

[Bright-Ling]

I think that is more of a trait of the Irish nation, more than anything else.

[AirCrafficTontroller]

What's wrong with questioning the IAA? They're not perfect. I had read a thread that a few years back they let 20 or so students go when they were over-staffed - i.e. poor planning and management. No need for the smart comments. Also I wasn't asking about quality of training, it was more-so about pay and how co-workers treat students.

[YouSaidBolt]

Good luck with your career.

Attitude goes a long way. I and others look forward to seeing how it all pans out with your self proclaimed poor management

[confused atco]

few years back they let 20 or so students go when they were over-staffed
You have quoted an event from 2003 or 2004 which was an emotive time.
The outcome was negotiated between the union and management.
Some were seconded elsewhere, the rest were furloughed.
All who were furloughed were back training within a year or so.
The rest bar 1 reentered employment when their external contracts were up

What's wrong with questioning the IAA?
Absolutely nothing that's your prerogative.
But like most things in life it all depends on your point of view.

Before you commence your glorious career in ATC I think you might need to revisit some of your assumptions.

Specifically ATC is a business not a charity.

It is a business and when unexpected downturns or traffic increases happen then they must and do take action.

[Una Due Tfc]

Some people will always be miserable, same as in any job.

I, personally, have never had any major issue with the IAA.

IF you pass all your initial training, you will be assigned to either Cork for Tower/Approach, Shannon/Ballycasey for Tower/Approach/Area or Dublin for Tower/Approach/Area to attempt your initial unit rating depending on what basic rating you achieved with EPNI in Ballycasey. That varies from class to class and year to year depending on operational requirements. The majority of SCP students end up in Shannon high level in Ballycasey. There is a transfer waiting list based on seniority. You only become eligible for transfer after 5 years with the company.

Most of us like a good whinge (I include myself in that), but it is a great job.

[Tower Ranger]

Is it still the case that they don't pay you while you're training or has that changed for the better now?

[ShannonACC]

Unfortunately not. That could very well change for the better with the economy and the IAA reporting record profits, but, if they can get their class without paying them an allowance of €14-17,000 per annum then they might keep it that way. Then again, who knows!

[Sorin Costache]

Hello all,
I see that the next(ongoing) phase of IAA recruitment process is "Work Strengths Profiling – completed online, to issue early March 2020" followed by:
- Group Interview/ Exercise - Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May 2020

If anyone has taken this group interview/exercise, please share with us some details regarding the manner in which this phase is sustained(how many people in the group?, what kind of exercises?, does it require a lot of memorization and/or quick visual analysis or quick mental calculations like in the FEAST tests?, etc.)

Thanks
Sorin