Go Back  PPRuNe Forums > Ground & Other Ops Forums > ATC Issues
Reload this Page >

Skyguide application process and ATC training


Notices
ATC Issues A place where pilots may enter the 'lions den' that is Air Traffic Control in complete safety and find out the answers to all those obscure topics which you always wanted to know the answer to but were afraid to ask.

Skyguide application process and ATC training

Old 29th July 2023 | 06:28
  #1 (permalink)  
Thread Starter
 
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: LFBI
Skyguide application process and ATC training

Hello,

I am considering applying to become an ATC at Skyguide. If someone is an ATC at Skyguide, or has a feedback on the selection process, and afterwards on the training at Dübendorf or Geneva (I'm french-speaking), I would be very much interested in discussing it with you

Thank you very much in advance
loulou86 is offline  
Reply
Old 4th August 2023 | 08:46
  #2 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 29
Likes: 1
From: Budapest
Originally Posted by loulou86
Hello,

I am considering applying to become an ATC at Skyguide. If someone is an ATC at Skyguide, or has a feedback on the selection process, and afterwards on the training at Dübendorf or Geneva (I'm french-speaking), I would be very much interested in discussing it with you

Thank you very much in advance
Why don't you just apply without even thinking about it? That wouldn't hurt, then you can go as far as you can and if you make it, you can decide if you want the training or not Don't hesitate!
bettercallsaul is offline  
Reply
Old 20th September 2023 | 10:44
  #3 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Europe
Hi,
skyguide training is done at Dubendorf near Zurich. They pay a minimum salary during training which you would need to supplement from your own reserves.Posting after training is up to the company and you could be posted to any location. skyguide do not always take language skills into account when posting as in the past they have posted non french speakers to geneva and non german speakers to zurich. There is also Bern and Lugano as possible posting locations. The only sectors that have french published as a control language are geneva approach & tower. Elsewhere the published controlling and training language is English. Their training success rate, beginning to end was about 50%. Some foreign controllers have failed to check out in some units. Local politics especially in the geneva area can get personal (they like you or they don't). Their training school in dubendorf used to be very good, but then a wave of instructors resigned due differences of opinion with the school management. Overall skyguide work conditions are good and the salary also good after training is passed. Tax in switzerland changes with location, but depending upon your situation & where you live will be between 17 and 25% after deductions etc.
Make contact with them and see what they tell you then decide for yourself.
Passenger 9 is offline  
Reply
Old 20th September 2023 | 13:55
  #4 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 20
Likes: 1
From: EU
Originally Posted by Passenger 9
...skyguide do not always take language skills into account when posting as in the past they have posted non french speakers to geneva and non german speakers to zurich...
Interesting as they have a B2 language proficiency requirement for external hiring. Does that not apply to their own ab-initio trainees or are they required to learn the relevant language once posted? Or is the B2 requirement more of a recommendation?
LuCst is offline  
Reply
Old 27th September 2023 | 20:25
  #5 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Spain
Originally Posted by Passenger 9
Hi,
skyguide training is done at Dubendorf near Zurich. They pay a minimum salary during training which you would need to supplement from your own reserves.Posting after training is up to the company and you could be posted to any location. skyguide do not always take language skills into account when posting as in the past they have posted non french speakers to geneva and non german speakers to zurich. There is also Bern and Lugano as possible posting locations. The only sectors that have french published as a control language are geneva approach & tower. Elsewhere the published controlling and training language is English. Their training success rate, beginning to end was about 50%. Some foreign controllers have failed to check out in some units. Local politics especially in the geneva area can get personal (they like you or they don't). Their training school in dubendorf used to be very good, but then a wave of instructors resigned due differences of opinion with the school management. Overall skyguide work conditions are good and the salary also good after training is passed. Tax in switzerland changes with location, but depending upon your situation & where you live will be between 17 and 25% after deductions etc.
Make contact with them and see what they tell you then decide for yourself.
I believe Skyguide raised the pay for ab-initio trainees from 2000 CHF per month up to 4000 CHF to increase the number of candidates. It's still not a lot of money considering the cost of living, but it might be enough if you are careful with your expenses.
aaesteve is offline  
Reply
Old 9th October 2023 | 05:05
  #6 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Auckland
Hi passenger9
Thanks for the info about S'guide training etc. I see they are advertising for Area radar instructors so was interested that you mentioned a number had recently resigned due to 'differences'. I am in the process of applying and would be very keen to know if you have any more info like 'have things improved?' 'is it still a good job?'. I ask also as I spent time at the training school at schwartzorstr back in the 90's and it was a happy place from what I saw. Mainly expats in the classroom and they seemed fairly content. Cheers for any input you might have.
NZZO is offline  
Reply
Old 17th April 2025 | 11:49
  #7 (permalink)  
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
From: Location Location: Location
Hi all

Sorry to resuscitate an old thread.

After applying for a position with Skyguide some time ago and being unsuccessful, I have recently received an e-mail from a different unit in the company saying they've gone over my details and would like me to come work for them. Is there any ATCO currently working with Skyguide who would be kind enough to answer a few questions regarding the T&Cs? I am potentially interested in the position but want to make sure I am not selling myself short. Thank you.

TRS
therocketscientist is offline  
Reply
Old 13th May 2025 | 18:25
  #8 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Apr 2025
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: MUC
Can someone tell me if they accept FEAST results from other ANSP? And what their criteria are? Are they more strict than AustroControl for example?
Interestedatcoguy is offline  
Reply
Old 1st June 2025 | 18:15
  #9 (permalink)  
 
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: United Kingdom
Many issues with Training management at Skyguide, the structure and leadership is poor and far from professional hence the departures. If you do get through the process be prepared to compromise. I have recently heard of highly qualified candidates being rejected, possibly due to them having too much knowledge, such a shame for the students.
Jetbot is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.