What does a logistics or distribution manager do? Training | Pay and progression | Key skills and qualities | Testing whether you're suited The 600,000 people who pass through UK airspace every day rely on air traffic controllers to get them to their destination safely and efficiently. Controllers maintain radio/radar contact with aircraft pilots within designated areas, providing them with advice, instructions and information about weather conditions and safe flight, ascent and descent paths. Air traffic controllers specialise in either area control, approach or aerodrome control, and specialisation will determine the typical nature of communication with an aircraft. Although it is possible to state a preference, the specialisation offered to students embarking on a training course may depend on the company’s needs. The majority of controllers specialise in area control and work from area control centres where they are responsible for air traffic between airports in UK airspace. Approach controllers work at airports in the control tower, guiding planes as they land. Aerospace controllers also work in airport control towers, working alongside approach controllers as planes land and dealing with traffic on the ground in the aerodrome. The typical way to take off as an air traffic controllerMost air traffic controllers are employed by NATS, the main air navigation service provider in the UK. To qualify for training with them, you need to be over 18 and have (or have the equivalent of) at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (previously A to C) or Scottish National 5s at grade A to C, including English and Maths. While a degree isn’t required, you need a high level of concentration and commitment to take on the large workload of a trainee, and a degree might prepare you for this. Training begins with 12 to 18 months of college-based training, including practical and theory orientated learning. You will then be posted to an operational unit to continue with practical training, before gaining an air traffic controller license. Afterwards, you’ll work at an operational unit; you might be posted anywhere in the UK. The entire training process can take around three years. It’s important that air traffic controllers maintain up-to-date knowledge and a strong skills set, so you will be expected to attend training courses/sessions throughout your career. Pay and progressionAs a trainee, you’ll start out on a salary of £17,000, along with a weekly payment of £60. After you’ve completed training, your salary will increase to between £37,014 and £41,253. Eventually, you could earn over £100,000. Once you’ve completed training, you might decide to work your way up to a managerial position. However, it’s unlikely that you will be able to move to another role within the industry; positions in area, approach and aerodrome are specialised, so the vast majority of people remain in the area they trained for. Key skills and qualities for air traffic controllersAir traffic controllers must have the following: It’s also important for air traffic controllers to have good physical and mental health; you’ll be expected to pass a class three medical and to adhere to strict regulations regarding drugs (zero tolerance) and alcohol. Applicants with certain conditions such as epilepsy may not be permitted to undertake training programmes.
Making sure you’re the right person for the jobAs you can see by the skills listed, the role of air traffic controller is a pretty demanding one. However, if you’re up to the job, rewards come in the form of good earning potential and the ability to progress to a position of high responsibility. On the careers section of the NATS website , there are useful games designed to give participants an indication of whether they will be suited to the role of air traffic controller. They test aptitudes such as spatial awareness, coordination and the ability to work under pressure. If you’re deciding whether this is the career path for you, it might be a good idea to start by playing these games. Next: search similar roles
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Are you ready for a career that brings a whole new world of exciting possibilities? As an Air Traffic Controller, you will be playing a crucial role as the guardian of the Australian sky. You will be part of a vital team that manages eleven percent of the world’s airspace, and guided by world-class technology will ensure the safe, reliable and efficient airspace use of all aircraft operating in our skies. Connecting people with their world safely.
I am an on-the-job training instructor and enjoy instructing air traffic controllers in both the simulated and live training environments. Working with air traffic trainees in our simulators was an extremely rewarding experience. Bridget Hosking, Enroute controller
Air Traffic Controllers manage the safe and orderly flow of aircraft into, out of, and between airports throughout Australia and with overseas regions adjoining Australian airspace. This is a rewarding role that requires a high level of commitment and responsibility. Air Traffic Controllers are based around the country and work in one of our two major centres in Melbourne or Brisbane, two terminal control units or 28 control towers at international and regional airports across Australia. There are three broad categories of Air Traffic Controllers. In addition to the daily management of routine air traffic, controllers also provide information and assistance to pilots if they experience an in-flight emergency.
If you have previously been trained and rated as an Air Traffic Controller, you may be eligible to apply for a position as an experienced controller. If selected, you will first complete a short course (approximately six to 12 weeks) at our Learning Academy in Melbourne. Your remuneration will be consistent with your years of experience. Eligibility
Training Training at our Melbourne facilities will usually take between six and 12 weeks. This will be followed by field training at the final location until you achieve a rating. All training costs, including accommodation in Melbourne and travel expenses, will be paid by Airservices. A training bond is applicable to recover these costs should you resign within the first five years. Recruitment process Please note that due to the large volume of applications received we cannot accept emailed resumes or expressions of interest. Please allow up to six months for the recruitment process. If successfully selected, you will be notified and selected for a specific commencement and course date, which can be in a further three to 12 months’ time, depending on availability. The steps
Our Air Traffic Controller in Training Program provides an excellent opportunity for candidates who have no previous Air Traffic Control experience. We provide a range of world-class services that allow safe and equitable access to Australia's skies. Our primary focus is ensuring safe air travel and providing service outcomes that are matched to the needs of our customers. If selected as a trainee, and when your employment commences, you will receive world class training, leading to the AVI50115 Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control). You will be paid while you train and, upon successful completion of your training, you will enjoy a career with excellent working conditions and competitive rewards and benefits. In order to perform this critical role in the aviation industry, you will need to demonstrate:
Eligibility Residency requirements You must:
Educational requirements You must be able to provide evidence that you have obtained the following requirements:
International qualifications will need to be assessed by an appropriate authority as equivalent to one of the above criteria. Recruitment process The steps
Training During training you will work towards the AVI50115 Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control). This is a nationally recognised qualification, developed specifically for the Australian aviation industry. Locations If you are selected for Tower you could be posted to any of our 28 control towers for final field training and ongoing employment. Where possible, we will attempt to accommodate your preference. As a Trainee Tower Controller you are expected to be flexible regarding location, and may be posted to any of the tower locations. Notification of final posting location will occur towards the completion of the training course. Relocating to Melbourne
Online application form Online ability assessments Video interview We assess: - Your motiviation for applying for the role - Your abilty to work with people - How you have had to adapt and respond to change - How you strive to achieve Your answers should be specific to one situation and built around the STAR Principle - explaining the Situation and/or Task, the Actions you took and the Result at the end. Assessment Centre References Pre-employment medical and security checks Offer to commence ATC Training Start ATC Training
I would highly recommend air traffic control as a career and feel like you’ve made a difference to the aviation community. Craig Allan, Essendon Tower
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