Women encouraged to become air traffic controllers

THISONEIWD_event_Melbourne_6March2019

A job in air traffic control can be rewarding, stimulating and flexible, with plenty of opportunity for career progression no matter your background or life experience.

That was the takeaway message for dozens of women who participated in a recent air traffic control information session in Melbourne. 

The event coincided with International Women’s Day celebrations as this year’s theme focuses on the benefits of promoting gender balance in the workplace. 

Those attending the session heard from several of Airservices Australia’s female air traffic controllers, including Amalia Mauceri, who was mid-way through a medical science degree when she decided to set her sights on a new career. 

“Being able to say I helped many, many people get from A to B safely and efficiently is a great feeling,” she said.  

Ms Mauceri encourages those women interested in the job to be open to the process.

“You don’t need to have completed physics, you don’t need to have done long degrees,” she said.

“It’s available to anyone who is willing to give it a go and has the resilience and mindset to get through the training.”

Currently only around 13 % of air traffic controllers are women. 

Session participant Louise said she decided to come after reading about a female air traffic controller’s experiences in the job. 

“I really like problem solving and I find a lot of confidence in high-pressure situations so I think that working in air traffic control would satisfy both of those personal points of mine,” she said. 

Air traffic controllers come from a variety of work and education backgrounds, with Airservices Australia actively encouraging diversity and inclusion in the workplace. 

No prior knowledge in aviation is needed and it’s one of the few careers left where you can earn while you learn. 

To apply, you must be 18, able to work in Australia and have completed year 12. 

The first thing applicants will do is complete an online assessment which includes testing on spatial reasoning, calculation, numerical reasoning and verbal reasoning. 

Those who are successful with the online test will continue through the process until potentially being chosen to begin training in Melbourne.  You can find more information about the recruitment process at www.airservicesaustralia.com/careers  

Posted on: March 7, 2019

More news

Related topics

Airservices provides safe, secure, efficient and environmentally responsible services to the aviation industry.

Airservices Australia releases Progress Report on Workplace Culture

Airservices Australia has today released a progress report on its workplace culture undertaken by Elizabeth Broderick & Co. (EB&Co). The report, as well as Airservices’ response plan and a message from our Chief Executive Officer Jason Harfield, can be read here.

Airservices Australia reveals second Australian Aviation Network Overview

Airservices Australia has today released its second deep-dive report on trends in the Australian aviation sector for the first two months of Financial Year 2024. Designed to inform discussion among industry stakeholders, the Australian Aviation Network Overview offers a snapshot of key social and economic trends in the sector, our regional context and the performance […]

Airservices Australia finalises new Community Engagement Standard following national consultation

Airservices Australia has worked closely with the community and aviation industry to finalise a new national engagement approach for the development and implementation of flightpath changes. The newly completed national Community Engagement Standard is the culmination of direct feedback gathered at 13 community engagement drop-in sessions around Australia, and 10 webinars, held from 3 May […]

Airservices Australia invests in fire crew safety with next-generation hybrid fire trucks for Western Sydney International Airport

Airservices Australia’s frontline Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF) services will be equipped with next-generation hybrid electric aviation rescue fire fighting vehicles at the new Western Sydney International Airport (WSIA), providing improved safety outcomes for fire crews while shortening response times. Airservices is one of the first international customers to secure the rights to purchase four […]