What Training is involved?

You'll train at Airways' Training Centre in Christchurch under the guidance of qualified ATC instructors. It's a relaxed, supportive environment with the learning advantage of small class numbers. For the first six months your training will be simulator and theory based. This phase of training is very intensive, so you'll need to be committed to spending from one to three hours a night completing additional study on top of a full day at the Centre.

Once you've successfully completed all modules and passed all assessments you'll be recommended for 'on-the-job' training. You'll probably need to relocate from Christchurch to do this, and some relocation assistance will be provided by Airways (such as temporary accommodation and travel expenses).

		Check out the simulator in action media type: .flv file size: 18mb
		The Instructors role media type: .flv file size: 4.5mb

After leaving the Training Centre the real fun begins. 'On-the-job' training is carried out at a regional air traffic control tower under the supervision of an experienced controller. At this stage you'll move from 'student' to 'trainee' and will train in the operational environment, dealing with live traffic.

Initially you'll have the On Job Training Instructor with you all of the time, but as training progresses the instructor will gradually step back, allowing you to make your own decisions and control the traffic as if you were on your own.

When you've sufficient experience and have shown you can deal consistently with all traffic situations and complexities you'll be recommended for a final proficiency assessment. On successful completion of this you'll be issued your Air Traffic Control Licence and Rating.

Trainees will be guaranteed the offer of a job subject to:

• Obtaining an ATC licence
• Recommendation from Training Centre that trainee has demonstrated suitable behaviour to be an Airways employee. This may be conditional on trainee demonstrating improvement during OJTI.
• Recommendation from OJTI unit that trainee has demonstrated suitable behaviour to be an Airways employee and that where applicable the trainee has addressed any issues previously identified by the Training Centre.

Internationally Recognised Qualification

A New Zealand air traffic controller licence is issued by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority and is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. This means you obtain a qualification which can be used in many countries overseas.

You’ll be awarded a NZQA Level 7 Diploma on completion which you can cross credit to Massey University’s Bachelor of Aviation Management. You can complete the first two years before coming to training or complete it after you finish training through Airways study assistance programme.

Fees
If you're selected for ATC training, your tuition fee will be $12,000. A deposit of $1000 will confirm your acceptance on the course. The balance of the course fee is paid three weeks before the course starts.

You can access up to $12,000 as a student loan if your meet Study Link's eligibility requirements. You may also be eligible for a student allowance. You don't have to pay back the student loan until your start earning.

As each person's entitlement varies according to their personal circumstances, we recommend that you contact Study Link on 0800 88 99 00 to discuss eligibility.

Airways Scholarship

Airways offers a scholarship to students for the second phase of training. The Scholarship is $185.00 per week while students undertake on the job training.

Notes:

• Students need to consider carefully their financial situation and circumstances prior to accepting a place on the course.
• For the period of training students need to be able to support themselves financial and fund living expenses.
• The training is intense requiring commitment to after hours study.
• Therefore a part time job to help fund training is not recommended or feasible.