Training and Development
Initial training to become an Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) takes place at our College of Air Traffic Control at Whiteley, Fareham. From August 2011 our college will be moving to our Corporate & Technical Centre in Whiteley, Fareham.
Students begin their training on the basic course which last approximately two months. On completion they will then be allocated to either an Area course or Aerodrome/Approach depending on the business requirement at that time. Area students and Terminal Control students will then continue the college course for at least nine months, Aerodrome students for five months and eight months for Aerodrome/Approach students. If successful at the college you will then undergo validation training at your unit, the length of which will depend on the complexity of the unit and how quickly you progress. The times quoted above are the minimum expected to train and could be longer if you have to repeat part of the course or hold for business reasons.
Many students are surprised by the volume of work required both at the college and in the evening. There is a considerable amount of legislation that must be learnt. It is unlikely you'll pass the course unless you're prepared to commit at least two to three hours per night, plus some time at the weekend. This is particularly true in the earlier courses where there is a higher theoretical content.
Your progress through training is assessed continually both through exams, practical assessments and oral tests. You must pass these before your training can continue. If you fail, we'll review what happens next on a case-by-case basis. The college is currently achieving an overall success of 66%*. However we are continually reviewing the selection system and the training courses to improve the success rate.
*At 2009/10 rates.