Applications are again being invited for basic training for air traffic controllers. Ten or so ATC students are meant to start their studies at Avia College at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in autumn 2022.
Despite the coronavirus situation, Avia College has been able to carry on with its training programme at an almost normal level, complying with the general guidelines. A new basic training course for air traffic controllers started in October, and the course that began a year earlier progressed to simulator training.
Last summer, Avia College relocated to new premises at Lentäjäntie 1, closer to the terminal building at the airport. In this move, the college gained modern facilities for ATC training, updated technology and a better location in terms of synergy.
Training services – international success story
Avia College is marketing air navigation training services beyond Finland’s borders too. The training is given in English in any case, so materials and curricula are designed on a one-size-fits-all basis.
Air traffic controller training here qualifies students to work at aerodromes in Finland but also provides a solid foundation for working in ATC abroad. In recent years, Finnish air traffic controllers have found employment in Scotland and the Netherlands, for example.
Avia College has trained dozens of foreign ATC professionals to date. What generally happens is that air navigation service providers perform student selections locally and send the admitted students to Finland, but Avia College has also organised student admission procedures and tests in other countries.
“Everyone at Avia College is really pleased that our training services are in demand abroad in these challenging times. In recent years, we have had English spoken in many accents at the college, with students coming from Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Luxembourg,” says assistant director Antti Ruhanen.
Air traffic controller training lasts 1.5 years. Students who have successfully completed the training, which includes on-the-job training, are qualified air traffic controllers and are issued a licence upon graduation.
Avia College in brief
Avia College is a specialist vocational education institution owned by Fintraffic Air Navigation Services. It provides air navigation training services that comply with international standards and recommendations.
Avia College provides vocational education and training for air traffic controllers besides refresher courses, conversion training, continuing education and specialisation courses in various areas in air navigation services.
There is widespread interest in the profession of an air traffic controller and hence in ATC training. Only a select few are chosen in a multi-stage admissions process. This process includes tests and also interviews with the training provider and with a psychologist. About 10 Finnish students are admitted per year.
