Becoming an air traffic control assistant
 

I know there's relevant info on this subject elsewhere in the forum, but I'd like some guide as to what the entry qualifications are for people wishing to become air traffic control assistants.

For example, how many GCSEs or A levels are needed? Also, which subjects are preferred, if any?

Also, I have a rough idea of the typical working day of an ATCA, but if anyone on here is doing the job and could give me a fuller picture, it would be most appreciated.

I'm asking a lot I know, but any feedback would be great.

Thanks

Re - ATCA
 

Hi Marving. I recently applied to an ATCA vacancy. The requirements stated 4 GCSEs inc English and Maths, Full driving licence, computer literate. Not colour blind, flexible in working hours and an interest in aviation. Nothing too major there. Hope this helps.

Hi there,

Although they used to, NATS don't actually look specifically for ATCAs anymore and so you'd only really find ATCA vacancies at some airports not controlled by NATS, which rules out quite a few. However, NATS do still allocate controllers to be ATCAs from the training courses - they just don't train controllers to be ATCAs for their whole career.

Best thing to do would just be apply for NATS - after all, the requirements are generally the same to be either an assistant -or- a full controller.

Hope that helps:ok:

Yes we do. We do try and fill vacancies internally first, but if there is nobody available, then the advert will go external. We also recruit ATSA staff for our simulators...
Those who fail their ATCO course MAY get offered an available ATSA job.. we don't "allocate ATCOs to be ATSAs", why would we?


No they aren't! ATSAS generally need a minimal number of GCSEs, ATCOs need to have followed a course of study to A level standard.

If you want to be an ATSA, apply for ATSA, don't apply for a totally different job!!!

Marving

Regardless of the employer, you'll probably find the average requirement is for 4 - 6 GCEs, Maths, English and a Science probably would help a lot, A - levels are rarely a pre requisite for the post, unless it's an ATSA job which may lead to ATCO training.

Obviously an enthusiasm for, and a basic knowledge of aviation is required - this can be gleaned from Pilot, Flight International, and a miriad of other publications as well as SKY documentaries.
Common sense and the ability to adapt to a very varied working envrionment.

Very few airports advertise the posts, usually because they have an list of interested internal applicants as long as your arm, and even if an external advert is placed, there is often a stampede for the job - the last time we did so we had over 250 applicants for 1 posts, many of those had A -levels or better.

Your best bet is to contact the ATS Managers of the places you are interested in, send them your very best CV and ask for a visit at the same time. :ok:

Mr Chips says that ATCOs "need to have followed a course of study up to A level", therefore you just need to have studied up to A level standard although you do not have to pass the exams at the end of it. ATSAs need GCSEs. Isnt that the same thing?. Just out of interest, I know many ATSAs who have Phd, Msc in Astrophysics, many have degrees in both the Arts and Sciences, as well as professional flying licences such as ATPLs. I just wanted to point that out as Mr Chips seems to think that most ATSAs are bearly literate.

Mr Chips made no such allegation or inference. And there is a difference - to have studied to A-level standard involves competing those 2 years of education post-GCSE or whatever quals English schools give out these days.
Of course ATSAs can be extremely intelligent people, and I know of one working on his second OU degree. It's a pity that NATS no longer wants to pay for ATSAs, at least at salaries of those on old contracts.

Errr DC10 Real man at what point did I infer that ATSAs were barely (note the spelling!!!) literate?

Please don't lecture me on what qualifications ATSAs within NATS hold - I recruited a large number of them! I was talking about minimum qualifications....
Anyway DC10 - you know I would much rather fight you face to face than on here (if you are who I think you are!!!) ;)

How is my old watch doing down South??

Thanks to everyone for their replies. It's given me a much better picture of entry requirements, and also some other information for me to ponder over.

Any further info is appreciated.

Mr Chips is absolutely right. I really must stop reading Pprune at 0 dark o clock in the middle of a night shift when just breathing in and out is a challenge!. I apologise for taking Mr Chips name in vain and thanks for the spelling correction.

Is the FIR busy at night then DC10??? :p :p :p

You owe me coffee next time I vist...

:ok: :ok: :ok:

wait a second.....
we need qualifications??


:cool:

Mr Chips & DC10RealMan

Stop arguing. CYB!!:ok: You both owe me a coffee next time.
DC10 See you at EGLF soon!!

Lock n' Load;

It's a pity that NATS no longer wants to pay for ATSAs, at least at salaries of those on old contracts.

How true! The two current NATS ATSAs I know stack shelves at the local Tesco after they finish their day with NATS!

Would we have the same delays or closing of sectors due to staff shortages if insted of doing work for Tesco, these guys did some more work for NATS??????

Regards,

DFC

Biggin Koksy you still alive? Your daughter still a travel agent? CYB? What memories that brings back.. days on SFD wings admiring the view......

Chug a lug....

Those were the days my friend..... Oh sorry, you're the DJ!!
Good to hear you're still active. Daughter still in travel industry, Marketing Manager now for an adventure holiday company based in Balham. Take care C U soon

BK