Applications are now open for the next intake of Airways International’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) training programme, starting in October 2024 in our training centre in Christchurch. 

What does an Air Traffic Controller do? 

Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft and provide pilots with flight information to ensure every flight takes off, flies and lands safely. 

ATCs either work in surveillance control centres or in airport control towers and use various equipment, such as radar and radios to communicate advice and instructions to pilots.   

As an ATC, you will have a career full of opportunities and challenges in one of the most critical roles in aviation, alongside gaining a huge sense of purpose and achievement.  

What does the training involve? 

As an ATC trainee, you will train with us in the Airways Training Centre in Christchurch for theory and practical training, for eight to nine months. You will spend 25 weeks training in our state-of-the-art simulators, to apply the theory learned. 

You will then relocate to one of Airways’ towers or surveillance centres for four to nine months to complete your Level 7 Diploma in Air Traffic Services.  Full training takes around 12 to 18 months, however it may take longer. 

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Are you eligible to apply for Air Traffic Control training?  

You will need to meet the following criteria to be eligible to train with Airways International to become an ATC in New Zealand:  

• Be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or Australian citizen 
• Be aged at least 20 when you start training (due to Civil Aviation Authority licensing requirements) 
• Qualified to a minimum of Level 2 NCEA pass (12 credits pass in Maths at Level 1 and 8 credits in English at Level 2) and 42 other credits at Level 3 or equivalent (alternatively, we accept a New Zealand PPL or CPL, and we consider your work experience) 
• Okay about working shift work, and willing to relocate anywhere within New Zealand 
• Able to meet the requirements for a Civil Aviation Authority class three medical certificate, and ‘fit and proper person’  

Learn more about Airways International’s ATC training selection process and what the training involves.  Airways International uses carefully designed selection processes to offer training to individuals with the exact skills and attributes ATCs need.

Does this opportunity sound like you? Apply now!  

Applications are open now for our ATC training programme, starting in the Christchurch Training Centre in October 2024. Applications for this intake will close on Wednesday 31 July 2024. 

Apply now >>