Training in air traffic control: demanding and fascinating

Fascination, performance, competence, teamwork, technique: so many words that summarise the fascinating profession of air traffic controller to which you will have access thanks to the modern Skyguide Training Center.

Skyguide continuously trains air traffic controllers in its own training centre: the Skyguide Training Center in Dübendorf near Zurich. Are you interested in working in one of the most demanding activities in aviation? Find out about our entry requirements and apply for training.

2.5-year training. After a 2.5-year basic and operational training combining theory and practice, air traffic controller candidates are granted their first official licence as air traffic controllers and are already employed. Further training leads to a full, multiskilled qualification and the corresponding licence.
Several cycles per year. Training at the Skyguide Training Center is offered several times per year.
Remunerated training and competitive base salary. Training is remunerated (CHF 26'000 during the first year of training and CHF 31'200 during the second year). With their first licence (Endorsement 1) - after approximately two to three years of training already - air traffic controllers are paid CHF 71'500 annual salary. 42 months after the beginning of their training, they are paid from CHF 87'927 to 109'909 full annual salary (after 25 years, from CHF 133'659 to 167'074). Moreover, after their first licence air traffic controllers receive a particular responsibility bonus of CHF 14'900 to CHF 24'000 per year.
International recognition of the licence. Since the training concept complies with the conditions defined by Eurocontrol, the licence is recognised at European level.
Profession recognised by OPET. As the profession is recognised by the Swiss Federal Office for Professional Education and Technology (OPET), air traffic controllers are awarded the official Swiss Federal Air Traffic Controller diploma upon completion of their training.
Modern training methods and infrastructures. The Skyguide Training Centre (STC) at Dubendorf near Zurich features the most modern simulation equipment (in particular 3D turn at 360-degree simulation equipment) and uses the most advanced training methods in its field (e-learning, learning management system, etc.). In October 2008 the Federal Office of Civil Aviation officially certified the STC as an air traffic controller training centre.