Air Traffic Controller Apprenticeship: One Year On

Global ATS has been pursuing an Air Traffic Control apprenticeship scheme since 2005. However, support for the programme only materialised in 2015 following the formation of a trailblazer group consisting of Global ATS, NATS, the RAF, the Royal Navy, and CAA.
Global ATS initially applied to become the main training provider of the programme in August 2020, and the application was approved.

However, progress in launching the programme was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent restrictions—appetite for the programme dropped in line with a wider fall in training demand across the industry. New rules surrounding apprenticeships then voided Global ATS' approvals as the primary programme provider, forcing the company to change tact.

As the aviation industry began to bounce back from the pandemic, Global ATS joined forces with Gloucestershire College to relaunch the apprenticeship programme in 2022. As one of the largest and most reputable apprenticeship training providers in the region, the college served as a support advisor. In July 2023, the programme's first student, Pena Mason, was selected.

Initial training saw Pena attend the Basic Training and Aerodrome courses at Global ATS, working towards completing relevant modules while independently recording off-job lessons and simulator sessions. Upon returning to her Unit at Birmingham Airport, Pena commenced Unit Training with relevant apprenticeship and Unit tasks regularly reviewed and agreed upon by Pena and her Unit Training Manager.

As with a first run of anything, Global ATS expected teething issues. Initially, there were concerns about extra curriculum related to the candidates' Maths and English proficiency, which would vary in workload depending on the candidate's educational background. However, Global ATS found that students could manage this extracurricular activity while prioritising their initial training.

Global ATS also held formal review meetings, which took place every 10/12 weeks and involved the candidate, the employer, Gloucestershire College, and Global ATS. A requirement for all apprenticeships, these formal review meetings were an opportunity for all parties to take stock of progress, identify and overcome any adversities, set targets for the next review, and assess whether targets from the previous review had been met.

Identifying and resolving apprenticeship requirements during the formal reviews is just one example of the collaboration and involvement of all stakeholders, which has augmented the success of this scheme and generated extremely positive feedback. All parties have successfully worked as a team in pursuit of the goal of leading a coherent journey for the apprentice.

“Not only will I earn my ATCO licence and a Level 5 Diploma at the end of the apprenticeship, but it will also open up many doors for my future career within the industry. The ATCO Apprentice Scheme is a major milestone for the industry and will create so many opportunities for future generations of ATCOs.” - Pena Mason, Air Traffic Controller apprentice at Birmingham Airport.

Fast-forward to today, and the apprenticeship scheme is currently running with its fourth student. Through engagement and feedback, more English Airport Employers are looking to sign up to achieve the Air Traffic Controller Level 5 Apprenticeship standard qualification, and we expect to see a real increase in demand from Q4 2024.
Global ATS is also exploring alternative pathways to facilitate Airports that have a dual rating requirement.

Global ATS are also involved in the ongoing IFATE review, where they hope recent experience can help support future training needs.

For Birmingham Airport, the success of the apprenticeship scheme has been profound, with a clear desire to continue the progression of candidates through the apprenticeship programme to cultivate the next generation of Air Traffic Controllers; evidenced by the fact that Birmingham Airport have become the first Unit to have two apprentices.

Visit the IFATE website to learn more about the Air Traffic Control Apprenticeship scheme, including key modules, funding, and entry requirements.