CANADA - Training Timelines and Information on Becoming an ATCO with NAV CANADA
 

I am looking for information regarding the training programme for becoming an ATCO with NAV CANADA. I have read in depth their website but I still have a few specific questions that I was hoping someone on here could help me out with.

Firstly is the recruitment and selection process an ongoing activity or has it been curtailed in the current financial climate?

Secondly, I am specifically looking for the waiting times from successfully completing the selection process to starting training. At what times throughout the year do training courses start? Is there much of a waiting list currently? The old website stated that VFR Controller training took place at the NAV CANADA training centre in Cornwall, ON but the new website seems to subtlety give the impression that this now takes place at your future tower unit. Am I correct in assuming that VFR Controller training no longer takes place at Cornwall, ON?

Also, where are the majority of successful candidates likely to be posted? Is NAV CANADA recruiting specifically for one or maybe two geographic locations or are there more positions available? What areas, if any, is there a shortage in – IFR Controller of VFR Controller?

After successfully completing the initial training course, and then the subsequent on the job training, are you guaranteed a job with NAV CANADA or can they turn round and say to you thanks but we don’t have a position for you here at present?

Finally, if there are any serving ATCOs currently working for NAV CANADA can you give me a little insight into what you see as the best bits and the worst bits (Canada specific) and also any advice / warnings for anyone considering joining the NAV CANADA team?

Many thanks in anticipation.

AGJ

Firstly, are you an ATCO with a valid licence (presumably working somewhere in the UK) or an ab-initio?

If you are the former then you would apply through the Experienced Controllers Program which, unfortunately, no longer exists. That's not to say they no longer employ foreign controllers, I'm just not sure how one gets in these days.

If you are the latter then you must be a Canadian citizen or a Permanent Residency holder; all that you have read on the recruiting website would then apply to you.

Can't answer the VFR question

In answer to your other queries...recruitment is an ongoing process...however your location on PPRUNE says "UK"....so it depends on whether or not you are a Canadian citizen or a UK citizen. If you are a UK controller...then unfortunately you won't get very far with any application at present.

You are posted where you are needed. You can express a preference but it is the companies discression as to where they send you. IFR will always be the majority in terms of need...but if they are VFR short at the time...you will get posted VFR.

If you complete a training course and then on job training it means you are already at the unit..and have qualified as an ATCO so it means there is a job with you for as long as you want it. NAV Canada won't turn round and say "sorry we don't need you" They only do that if you are applying from the UK.

Pros and Cons listed on previous threads. I think it would help if you identified your circumstances first as it really will be tough for you if you are from the UK and not a canadian citizen. NATS would be your port of call if you are a Brit.

VFR Training
 

AGJ - you are correct in your suspicion that VFR training has been de-centralised. Each FIR now trains its own VFR controllers. The VFR basic course (the production of which is still centrally controlled) is now conducted by the Regional Training Units within each FIR. After theory and simulator training, trainees are posted to whichever towers require staff.

cheers,
Pig

Thanks
 

Squibbler, Married a Canadian and Mr Pig,

Thanks for all your comments. It has given me some extra info that I was seeking.

I would be going down the ab-initio route as I am not presently a trained controller. I will be moving to Canada this summer as a Permanent Resident so I will be able to apply to NAV Canada.

If you have any info regarding the waiting times from successful completion of the selection process to starting training then that would be much appreciated.

Married,

I notice you are based at YYZ and this is one of the locations that I would be interested in for a variety of reasons. I’d be grateful if you could give me an insight into working there. Are you IFR or VFR? Is it a good unit? Morale high/low etc. Are they recruiting for YYZ at the moment?

Thanks again,

AGJ

AVCANADA • Index page

Click on the above link and head over to the ATS forum. It's the Canadian equivalent of PPRuNe and there's plenty of info and people who can help you out. :ok:

Squibbler,

Many thanks for the link – it is just what I was looking for! Cheers :ok:

AGJ