ATC Training
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ATC Training
Hello everyone. I am thinking of getting into ATC and from the research I have done so far there seems to be 3 main training companies, NATS, Global ATS, and Resource Group. Can you please recommend which is the best to train with and why. Im looking for things like cost, training timeframe, reputation etc. Plus, is there a specific period you have to stay employed by these companies after you become qualified?
Also which route within ATC would you recommend, area training or approach training? Which is the most interesting, which has the better job opportunities and which pays the best?
As much info on the subject will be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance
Also which route within ATC would you recommend, area training or approach training? Which is the most interesting, which has the better job opportunities and which pays the best?
As much info on the subject will be greatly appreciated
Thanks in advance
You don't just 'get into' ATC, you either have to pass rigorous selection tests with NATS, or pay lots of money to the other two.
NATS would be best because provided you successfully complete the course, you're guaranteed employment, but you don't get a choice where you're posted and whether to Area control or to an airport.
NATS would be best because provided you successfully complete the course, you're guaranteed employment, but you don't get a choice where you're posted and whether to Area control or to an airport.
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There are some fundamental differences in the training options you mention above.
Firstly, NATS do not openly offer training as such. What they offer you is a job part of which includes training. They will pay you while you train (currently about 11k a year initially) and guarantee you a job should you pass all of the ratings courses they ask you to undertake and successfully validate your student license at an air traffic unit this could be a tower only airport, tower/radar airport, approach radar or en route radar. You need to go through a fairly tough selection process to get on a course, and then the course/validation is pretty tough but once you get through you get one of the best jobs in the world with excellent working conditions and a good salary and benefits.
The other two training providers will charge you for a ratings course and there is no guarantee of a job if you pass. A ratings course will give you a student license which is virtually worthless if you can't start on the job training to validate the license and get an endorsement. Plus, your student license is only valid for 2 years so if you don't get a training post in that time you've wasted your money and time.
Your other option is to get a job as an ATSA and then get sponsored to take your atco ratings courses by the ats provider you already work for.
Good luck
Firstly, NATS do not openly offer training as such. What they offer you is a job part of which includes training. They will pay you while you train (currently about 11k a year initially) and guarantee you a job should you pass all of the ratings courses they ask you to undertake and successfully validate your student license at an air traffic unit this could be a tower only airport, tower/radar airport, approach radar or en route radar. You need to go through a fairly tough selection process to get on a course, and then the course/validation is pretty tough but once you get through you get one of the best jobs in the world with excellent working conditions and a good salary and benefits.
The other two training providers will charge you for a ratings course and there is no guarantee of a job if you pass. A ratings course will give you a student license which is virtually worthless if you can't start on the job training to validate the license and get an endorsement. Plus, your student license is only valid for 2 years so if you don't get a training post in that time you've wasted your money and time.
Your other option is to get a job as an ATSA and then get sponsored to take your atco ratings courses by the ats provider you already work for.
Good luck
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Thank you both for your replys, apologies chevvron I didnt mean to sound flippant, I am 99% certain I want to become an ATC and was looking for information from impartial people as to what the best route/company is.
I understand that with NATS, ultimately you don't have a choice on which branch you get assigned to but I have read you can request a certain branch. With that in mind, can anyone briefly explain the pro's and cons of each avenue that whitelighter mentions in his threads. Mainly concerning, how interesting/challenging each avenue is, job satisfaction, and differences in pay.
Thanks again.
I understand that with NATS, ultimately you don't have a choice on which branch you get assigned to but I have read you can request a certain branch. With that in mind, can anyone briefly explain the pro's and cons of each avenue that whitelighter mentions in his threads. Mainly concerning, how interesting/challenging each avenue is, job satisfaction, and differences in pay.
Thanks again.
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On this subject, does anyone know approximately what it would cost me roughly, from the first course to obtaining a student ATC license if I went with the Global ATS or Resource Group route? Is employability very difficult once you have the required qualifications?
Last edited by jbba94; 7th Feb 2013 at 23:58.
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If you want to do Area/en-route then Nats is the only company you can work for, they are the only licensed provider.
I'd recommend trying Nats first as you get paid whilst training. The tests are tough, but they're tough for a reason. It's not a walk in the park during training.
With Nats you are bonded for 36 months after you've validated, the other I don't know about as I've never looked into it
I'd recommend trying Nats first as you get paid whilst training. The tests are tough, but they're tough for a reason. It's not a walk in the park during training.
With Nats you are bonded for 36 months after you've validated, the other I don't know about as I've never looked into it
Also if you wish to obtain work in the UK, make sure the licence you get is a valid CAA one; I've heard some of these 'private' training schools only train you to an 'ICAO' standard which the CAA may not recognise.
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Thanks for the responses.
What is the general opinion on ATC assistants? I hear they are very few and far between these days though. I'm only 18 and full ATCO licenses are only issued to those who are 21+, so would I be better off seeking an assistant position before going for training aged 20?
What is the general opinion on ATC assistants? I hear they are very few and far between these days though. I'm only 18 and full ATCO licenses are only issued to those who are 21+, so would I be better off seeking an assistant position before going for training aged 20?
Last edited by jbba94; 8th Feb 2013 at 14:19.
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May years ago, I did nearly 2 years as an assistant. It was very valuable experience. However, today, most ANSPs are replacing assistants with new technology, in a drive to increase the 'productivity' of ATCOs, and therefore reduce costs.
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I guess someone like myself with no previous aviation experience or much to offer on a CV stands a chance at getting an assistant job especially considering the low supply and very high competition for them?
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Originally Posted by chevvron
Also if you wish to obtain work in the UK, make sure the licence you get is a valid CAA one; I've heard some of these 'private' training schools only train you to an 'ICAO' standard which the CAA may not recognise.
At one of these private colleges, the ATC Manager is an ex-NATS college instructor who occasionally frequents these pages, chevvron, you may know him.
At one of these private colleges, the ATC Manager is an ex-NATS college instructor who occasionally frequents these pages, chevvron, you may know him.
