IAA Student Controller Program 2020

gentlegeorge

Shanee. wrote: »

What did it entail?

About 100 strongly agree strongly disagree questions.

Sunlite

Hello all,
I see that the next(ongoing) phase of IAA recruitment process(for ATC) is "Work Strengths Profiling – completed online, to issue early March 2020"(which were basic questions regarding your behavior and vision and I think that the most important part on these tests is not to be psychopath) followed by:

- Group Interview/ Exercise - Monday 27 April to Friday 1 May 2020

If anyone has taken this group interview/exercise into 2018 or previous years, please share with us some details regarding the manner in which this phase is sustained(how many people in the group?, what kind of exercises?, does it require a lot of memorization and/or quick visual analysis or quick mental calculations like in the FEAST tests?, etc.)

Due to COVID-19, I do not expect that the group exercise to happen as planned, but anyway, some details will help.


Have a good one,
Sorin

P.S. Thanks Mick

Beersmith

My guess is the whole program will be cancelled, doubt they will need more controllers in the next 5 years with the impact of this crisis on air travel?

Inquitus

Beersmith wrote: »

My guess is the whole program will be cancelled, doubt they will need more controllers in the next 5 years with the impact of this crisis on air travel?

I disagree, I think once this is fully contained, and that may in truth be in mid to late 2021, if and when a vaccine is available, then air travel will likely return to previous levels and previous levels of growth.

HTCOne

Inquitus wrote: »

I disagree, I think once this is fully contained, and that may in truth be in mid to late 2021, if and when a vaccine is available, then air travel will likely return to previous levels and previous levels of growth.

I think too many airframes are being retired for a rebound to happen that quickly, particularly with widebodies. KLM, BAW and DLH retiring their 747-400s, IBE, DLH and EWG retiring 340s, AAL retiring all 757 and 767, UAL and DAL both say they expect to be a third smaller when this is over. Airbus expected to halve 320 Neo production from 60 per month to 30, 330 Neo production from 3.5 per month to 2, and 350 production from 9 per month to 5.

Then there’s the huge recession that will follow this virus situation. The airlines are expecting something in the region of 5 years before the industry fully recovers.

arccosh

you still have natural churn in a sector where it takes up to 1-2 years to train someone.

It may be reduced, but I doubt it would be canned completely, that's far too short sighted.

Inquitus

I would imagine they will continue the training, worst case they don't offer a job at the end of it, but that means you got your training for free, and are not beholden to work for IAA for a number of years afterwards. I hope I am right and wish you all the best.

Speed_Alive

Has anyone heard back from the IAA regarding the 2020 intake?

Shanee.

Just got an email to say it’s been cancelled. To say I’m gutted is an understatement

CoisFharraige

Both the last two SCP classes have had their contracts terminated

Beersmith

CoisFharraige wrote: »

Both the last two SCP classes have had their contracts terminated

Where exactly were they in the process?

CoisFharraige

Beersmith wrote: »

Where exactly were they in the process?

One class was about to start on the job training in a few months. Other class 6 months maybe behind them. Massive problems about this internally. They are incredibly understaffed in operations.

arccosh

NATS still accepting applications, can't see it being this year when another new class enters, but definitely an alternative.

Inquitus

arccosh wrote: »

NATS still accepting applications, can't see it being this year when another new class enters, but definitely an alternative.

My brother has finished his NATS training and was due to be posted to a UK airport, for his final on the job training, when all this kicked off, he is currently furloughed and waiting to see what happens, he's been on furlough since late March.

Paso Fino

arccosh wrote: »

NATS still accepting applications, can't see it being this year when another new class enters, but definitely an alternative.

Where have you seen this? I looked on their website and it says applications aren't open under trainee controllers

arccosh

got an e-mail today about it.. an automatic one I take it which wasn't filtered out I suppose...

As Inquitus, current classes are furloughed, although there was a good bit of chat of getting them back going ASAP when the government guidelines ease and become clearer

Paso Fino

arccosh wrote: »

got an e-mail today about it.. an automatic one I take it which wasn't filtered out I suppose...

As Inquitus, current classes are furloughed, although there was a good bit of chat of getting them back going ASAP when the government guidelines ease and become clearer

That's strange, I registered my interest a while ago with them but didn't receive anything

Inquitus

Paso Fino wrote: »

That's strange, I registered my interest a while ago with them but didn't receive anything

My Brother has done over a year of training at this point, mostly classroom based, but also a 6 week posting to Brighton Airport in the middle somewhere, he was due to get his final posting when COVID kicked off, and he was furloughed.

Dyno66

Having passed both FEAST and DART exams in February, I have to say I was very disappointed to hear the whole programme is cancelled... I was expecting it to be delayed maybe but not scrapped all together...

I understand the results are valid for 2 years but I cannot apply for either NATS nor EuroControl because of the age limit... I'm 34.

Gutted!

PinOnTheRight

Dyno66 wrote: »

Having passed both FEAST and DART exams in February, I have to say I was very disappointed to hear the whole programme is cancelled... I was expecting it to be delayed maybe but not scrapped all together...

I understand the results are valid for 2 years but I cannot apply for either NATS nor EuroControl because of the age limit... I'm 34.

Gutted!

Are you sure NATS has an age limit? I thought they removed it years ago because of discrimination.

Inquitus

PinOnTheRight wrote: »

Are you sure NATS has an age limit? I thought they removed it years ago because of discrimination.

Aye my brother started in NATS training at 39/40, there is definitely not an age restriction.

Bsal

From a few years ago but probably still valid, no upper age restriction at NATS

https://twitter.com/NATS/status/829641550875488261?s=20

Dyno66

Thanks, guys! I might send them an email and clarify. I was fairly sure they had an age limit but maybe that was the case years ago....

mr.anonymous

Dyno66 wrote: »

Thanks, guys! I might send them an email and clarify. I was fairly sure they had an age limit but maybe that was the case years ago....

It was probably something like min 19 on application. Two years training then min ago to hold ATCO license is 21. That's what the iaa one was iirc.

PinOnTheRight

Dyno66 wrote: »

Thanks, guys! I might send them an email and clarify. I was fairly sure they had an age limit but maybe that was the case years ago....

They did up until about 10 years ago. There will likely be a freeze on trainee recruitment for a while though while they assess their needs for the next few years.

arccosh

NATS hasn't an upper age limit in place

Inquitus

arccosh wrote: »

NATS hasn't an upper age limit in place

There is compulsory retirement I think @65 years of age, not sure if that has changed, it does mean that given they estimate the cost of training is £600k if you are someone who gets on the course at age 40+ you really need to be the best of the best, as the maths does not support the investment given the maximum number of years service you will be able to provide.

arccosh

67 now. Current controllers on the DB pension scheme are usually gone by 55 though. Most on the DC scheme still aim for the 55/60 mark.

Realistically though, even if you stuck around until that age, you would have more than likely progressed into another element of controlling (management,training, integration etc...) or been binned off actual controlling for health reasons, but there are still some (mostly airport controllers) who hang around on the radio until retirement.

A lot just get sick of controlling, it's great money,but definitely "a way of life" and up sticks and do contract work as and when they need cash around the world.

edit: there was some article in NATS in 17/18 for their oldest new hire controller, who was mid 40's/50's if I remember correctly

AnRothar

67 now. Current controllers on the DB pension scheme are usually gone by 55 though. Most on the DC scheme still aim for the 55/60 mark.

If you are going to be discussing NATS terms and conditions its best you start a new thread.


Its not a good idea to be confusing poeople with what OTHER employers MAY be offering.

arccosh

It was a direct response to a query above it.... the only confusion would be if you didn't read the thread, and dropped in a read the final comment (which I suspect you did).
Also, it's not speculation.

AnRothar

Also, it's not speculation.

My knowledge of NATS terms and conditions would probably cover the back of a postage stamp so I will bow to your superior knowledge.

the only confusion would be if you didn't read the thread, and dropped in a read the final comment (which I suspect you did).

Afraid not, followed this tread from the start out of curiosity.


I know far too many "unimpressionable" people.

arccosh

must be a tough life not being able to follow sequential comments

Speed_Alive

Don't suppose anyone has heard anything from the IAA since the classes were dropped?

Shanee.

Speed_Alive wrote: »

Don't suppose anyone has heard anything from the IAA since the classes were dropped?

Sorry to bump an old thread, but no not heard a thing. Cant see the aviation sector picking up anytime soon either

Inquitus

An acquaintance of mine had just completed his NATS training and had been posted to a UK airport for further on the job training when Covid hit air travel, he has been paid a percentage of his wages for doing effectively nothing for the past number of months, but has now been drafted into their Cyber fraud department to work there until air travel picks up again. Its not part of his contract and he will be working 8:30 - 17:00 5 days a week until things change, obviously he is not in a position to refuse to do this random work he has been assigned as that would damage his standing within NATS, kind of a fish in a barrel in that regard! Buts that's what's going on with Trainee Controllers across the Irish sea. They canned all the trainees who had not completed the classroom portion and been assigned to an airport, so he was very lucky in that regard.

arccosh

From what I heard, there was some interest from LVNL and Eurocontrol in some of those dumped controllers.... don't know how many took the offer up though

CoisFharraige

Both groups of Trainee Controllers have been completely shelved (Even the ones meant to start on the job training in Shannon/Dublin). Extremely short sighted when Ballycasey was so short-staffed, this summer would have been a disaster for them if it was busy.

Speed_Alive

Disaster is probably a stretch...?

CoisFharraige

Speed_Alive wrote: »

Disaster is probably a stretch...?

Well possibly disaster is a bad choice. The ACC was short staffed which would have caused delays this Summer.

Tristan100

Got an email today saying they're continuing with the recruitment process now.

Staunton96

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118013428#Comment_118013428

Wow. Did it sound like a definite restart or just looking for interest?

Thanks

Tristan100

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118015444#Comment_118015444

Not sure really. It just said they were contacting the candidates who previously passed the tests to see if their still interested.

AlfaTangoCharlie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118017577#Comment_118017577

I got the same email, hopefully this means they’re restarting the selection process soon. If FEAST results are only valid for 2 years, it’ll be in their best interest to continue with the testing before Feb 2022. Saves time/money etc…

Anyone have any word on the 2017/2018 classes resuming their training?

Thanks :)

Speed_Alive

Good to see people are getting contacted again regarding recruitment.

Word on the grapevine is that the two classes that had their training suspended will potentially be back quite a bit sooner than they thought.

Eurocontrol posted projections on traffic recovery that state full recovery by 2023, a year earlier than the previous 2024 model, so staffing will definitely be an important factor.

Mckclaudia

Hey all! I got one of the emails from the IAA registering interest to continue the programme. I emailed them back but have heard nothing sense. Anyone else in the same boat?

AlfaTangoCharlie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118122449#Comment_118122449

In the same boat, heard nothing since that email, would be great to get more info but I doubt it this side of Christmas, still hopeful though!

Speed_Alive

I have heard from a source that SCP 17 are restarting training next week with SCP 18 to follow on later in the year or sooner.

Good news at least for those in the 'holding pool' of different stages of recuitment, as it does take quite a period of time to run the different stages.

AlfaTangoCharlie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118450750#Comment_118450750

Brilliant, hopefully things start ramping up again soon! I got an email shortly before Christmas saying they’re looking to hold the group scenario phase virtually due to COVID, and will hopefully be rolled out “in the New Year.”

AlfaTangoCharlie

Anyone have any updates?.. :/

Mckclaudia

Nothing yet my end! Definitely concerned because our test results have expired by now I’d say :(