Learning Fast in the Cardiff Tower

On the job training for trainee Air Traffic Controllers is not only an opportunity to experience the thrill of safely navigating aircraft through the air and on the ground, but an essential part of the journey to validation. We recently caught up with newly validated Air Traffic Controller, Matt Stevens, at Cardiff Tower about his first few months on the job.  

“I’ve been with NATS for just over two years, which has been comprised of nine months learning everything there is to know about controlling air traffic in the training college, followed by over a year of essential on-the-job training at Cardiff. I am fortunate enough to have been able to recently ‘dual validate’ in the Tower and on Radar, meaning I can now work in both sectors at the airport.  

“I’ve been controlling for around three months now and I have had to pick up the ropes quickly as we recently had a large spike in traffic coming into and across Cardiff whilst I was on shift. We are typically a very seasonal airport – seeing an expected rise in traffic throughout the summer months and dipping in the winter. However, a couple of weeks ago, Cardiff was hosing the Six Nations rugby match between Wales and France; the weekend of 14-15 February saw us welcome additional commercial flights and private jets as sporting fans watched France unfortunately take the win.  

“This was my first experience of working such a busy day, so I was nervous about what to expect, but very excited to get stuck in and put my new skills to the test. I was anticipating being challenged managing this level of traffic and the weekend lived up to expectations. Luckily, I have an incredibly supportive team at the Cardiff tower who were on hand to assist, if I felt like I needed it. 

“On busy days like this, it’s vital for us to remember our priorities. Safety always comes first, orderly second and expeditious third. When you are being challenged, keeping it safe and simple is our aim, which we achieve by slowing down the planes if necessary, splitting our operational positions to add in another controller to share the load, and getting a second pair of eyes over your work for some reassurance.  

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to experience a busy day so early in my career controlling. It has helped me understand what to expect over the summer period, and what tools and resources I can utilise to help safely manage my workload. 

“The last couple of years have been incredibly challenging, but very rewarding! I’m still finding my feet as a newly validated controller, but I’m really enjoying the process of learning and applying my newfound skills.”  

Our Trainee Apprenticeship scheme to become an Air Traffic Controller is now accepting applications. Don’t miss out on the chance for a career like no other, apply here: Trainee Air Traffic Controllers – NATS