Simulator Assistant Vacancies?

[Isitgiroday]

Hi, I'm looking to find out more about becoming an Air Traffic Simulator assistant? I've found it tough finding information online about this job and tougher still finding vacancies! I did see some advertised with Capita in Ayrshire but most have expired!

Can anyone tell me What they look for in a Sim. Assis.? Is there much demand for them? Does anyone know of any vacancies or who to contact to enquire about positions? I am based in the south but would consider having to re-locate!!
Ta very Much!

[Glamdring]

Have you considered applying to NATS to be a trainee ATCO?

[Scott Diamond]

What is so appealing in being a blip-driver you're happy to go around the country just to do it? Are they well paid ??

[Isitgiroday]

Glamdring and Scott, I'm starting in Hurn as a trainee in july/oct.(at the earliest) and I'm outta work at the mo looking to do something a bit more relevent until then! I've sent C.V.'s and spoken to a lot of SATCO's about atc assistant jobs but there's absolutely NOWT going!

Again, if there's anyone who knows of temp. aerodrome positions or can give me some contacts I'd be very grateful.

-Giro.

[Scott Diamond]

Oh good to see you're trying something then. Considered AFIS/A.G in the mean time?

[paperclip810]

Good idea but I'm not sure how much that sort of thing will help to prepare you with getting through the course at Hurn. There's quite a few specific things that happen at the college that don't really happen in the 'real' world - although you'll get some good experience, you may pick up bad habits at the same time.

Work experience at towers would have the same training help/hinderance combo. If anything, I'd say knowing how to fly and the related theory seems to help the most with the theory side of the course - although that's not going pay you!

Good luck - PM if you want to know more about college.

[ddtonti]

I am one of those 'blip drivers' employed by Capita, and as far as i know there is no more requirement for them at prestwick, its pays better than your average nine to five, and you dont need any other atc exprience although it does help. Touch base with Capita, maybe give them your CV but I wouldnt hold out too much hope, unless a load of people suddenly leave!!

[ddtonti]

Just out of interest was it for NATS or Capita? As capita vacancies where filled externally, as they are not entirely these same as NATS ATSAs (who are mostly filled internally).

[Ceannairceach]

I hate to break this to you, but there have been absolutely no internal moves into the training department at PC blip driving, so you definitely weren't on the receiving end of a "pointless interview" Pace152

[Ceannairceach]

Yup, that job (simulator assistant) is an ATSA 2 post recruited only from internal candidates as the advert says. This is not a "blip driving" job. It covers a whole gamut of duties.

Importantly, the blip drivers are ACPO/ATSA 1's, the majority of which now are employed by Capita. Pace152 was interviewed for one of these ACPO vacancies, not an ATSA 2 job.

I say again, there have been no internally filled NATS blip driving jobs at PC so Pace152 must have been unsuccessful in his or her application on merit, or lack of, alone.

[classicwings]

Glamdring and Scott, I'm starting in Hurn as a trainee in july/oct.(at the earliest) and I'm outta work at the mo looking to do something a bit more relevent until then! I've sent C.V.'s and spoken to a lot of SATCO's about atc assistant jobs but there's absolutely NOWT going!

If I were you mate I'd consider yourself very privelaged to have a TATCO position starting next year at Hurn with NATS, let alone worrying about finding ATCA vacancies in the foreseeable future before you start. At the moment, assistant jobs are sparse- and the last recent ATSA vacancy to be advertised in the UK (at a state run airport near London ) had over 60 applicants for one ATSA job. Guess what?! Many of those applicants were failed NATS traninees who couldnt validate at their unit and were desperate to find a suitable alternative to NATS in order to retrain. With the added factor of the state of current economic climate makes such vacancies even harder to come by. There are people out there with relevent experience who would give their arm and a leg to become an assistant as a career at the mo! So my advice is make the best of your opportunity at CATC and best of luck!!

[Isitgiroday]

Classicwings, I hear ya loud n clear! Instead of looking for an ATSA or ATCA job I'll just stick to the theory and fill out an application for ASDA.... .... this nations saving grace! Jeeez, this shid's startin to wear me down! .......

" to the regiment!........"