Innovative selection solutions to navigate global ATC shortage
Across the globe, air navigation service providers are facing ongoing challenges to select, train and retain air traffic controllers. Significant ATC staffing shortages are being reported globally, becoming a pressing issue as air travel rebounds to pre-pandemic levels.
It’s a staffing crisis that’s compounded by a range of factors – a significant one being the challenge for ANSPs to identify and select the right people with just the right specific mix of aptitudes and competencies for ATC training programmes.
The training is intense and demanding, so choosing the right candidates is critical – inbuilt resilience and confidence is a must, as is situational awareness, the ability to make fast decisions under pressure, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.
The stakes are high for both ANSPs and ATC students. Training a candidate to become an air traffic controller comes at a significant financial and resourcing cost for ANSPs – so when any candidates don’t succeed through training to become a rated controller, it’s an expensive failure. For candidates, there’s a human and a financial cost – particularly for those who may have uprooted their family to move cities for training and dedicated precious time out of their lives for training.
ATC selection – a process driven by science
The SureSelect ATC selection tool was developed in 2011 when it was recognised that a robust, objective ATC selection process was critical to identifying suitable candidates that resulted in a higher rate of quality training outcomes and ultimately world-class ATC services. It uses a proven scientific selection methodology which evolved out of Airways’ own recruitment process used to select ATCs. Since then it has been further developed and enhanced as technology and ATC training needs have evolved.
SureSelect is now in offered by Airways International as a validated and objective ATC selection for ANSPs globally. Researched, developed and validated by Industrial Organisational Psychologists, SureSelect assessments provide crucial information to support ANSPs’ selection decisions. The ATC Skill Simulations assessments are gamified and simulate key skills required by ATCs; the ATC Cognitive Ability assessments measure such abilities as detail accuracy and coded reasoning; and the Behavioural Traits questionnaire is critical for determining if candidates possess the traits correlated with success in ATC roles.
Airways International also offers an Assessment Centre as part of SureSelect – this is currently in place for Airways New Zealand ATC candidates where they undertake further aptitude tests, group and individual activities and an interview. Further developments for the assessment centre offering are currently underway and will be announced soon.
Why use a specialised selection solution?
Here’s how utilising a specialised selection solution like SureSelect can transform the ATC recruitment process:
- Objective skill assessment: SureSelect’s range of assessments specifically tailored to ATCs help to accurately measure candidates’ cognitive abilities, decision-making skills and aptitude and attitude, allowing for a far more objective evaluation than non-specific assessments.
- Tailored selection process: ANSPs can tailor their use of SureSelect to suit their goals and budget – various options are available to help them meet their selection needs. For example, ANSPs can choose a stage-gate approach, reducing applicants at each stage, or undertake all assessments at once; They can also choose between unsupervised (e.g. online) testing and supervised (testing centre) testing, or a combination of both.
- Data-driven insights: Through SureSelect’s self-service online platform ANSPs can easily access real-time result updates, detailed per assessment reporting, ranking of results, and per candidate summaries – giving them all the data they need to make informed selection decisions.
- Enhanced experience for candidates and ANSPs: SureSelect supports a great experience for both ANSPs and candidates through its cloud-based online platform. Candidates access assessments online, via a web browser – all they need is a computer and the internet. ANSPs can quickly and easily access results and insights.
SureSelect meets global ANSPs’ recruitment and selection needs
ANSPs across the globe have utilised SureSelect to enhance their ATC selection and training outcomes, including Airways New Zealand, Airservices Australia, Azerbaijan Air Navigation Services, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and Vietnam Air Traffic Management Corporation.
Check out this video to find out how SureSelect supported these ANSPs to select quality ATC training candidates.
Navigating the path ahead through innovation
The global shortage of air traffic controllers presents a complex challenge, whilst also offering an opportunity for industry innovation and development.
By integrating advanced selection software such as SureSelect into the recruitment process, ANSPs can significantly enhance their ability to identify and train the right candidates with the right skills, aptitude and attitude, for air traffic controller roles.
With collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in recruitment and training, we can navigate the challenges of the ATC staffing crisis and secure a bright future for air traffic control.