Bachelor of Aviation Management

28 February 2007

Airways New Zealand joins with Massey University to offer Bachelor of Aviation Management

Airways New Zealand, New Zealand’s Air Traffic Control and Air Navigation Services provider, is to collaborate with Massey University’s School of Aviation to enable budding air traffic controllers to combine a degree with specialist air traffic control training.

Under the scheme, credits gained in training with Airways for a Diploma of Air Traffic Services can be cross-credited towards the completion of a Bachelor of Aviation Management with Massey University.

In announcing the move, Airways New Zealand CEO Ashley Smout said the new scheme will give students eyeing a career as an air traffic controller the opportunity to develop their aviation management skills, and have their study recognised as they complete their air traffic control training.

“This means high school graduates, who wish to become air traffic controllers, but are too young to be awarded their license, are able to work towards a degree. This will not only stand them in good stead for a career as an air traffic controller with Airways New Zealand, but credits gained from their training for a Diploma of Air Traffic Services with Airways New Zealand can contribute towards their degree” said Mr Smout.

Currently, air traffic control trainees cannot be awarded an air traffic control license until they are 21 years of age. Licensed air traffic controllers who wish to further develop their careers with a relevant degree qualification will also benefit from the collaboration.

“Licensed air traffic controllers can receive credits for up to eight papers towards the degree of BAvMan, in recognition of their prior experience and operational expertise. With part time study, it is reasonable to expect that current licensed air traffic controllers would be able to successfully complete four papers per year and earn the degree of BAvMan in four years.”

“This new scheme is a real win-win initiative for all concerned. High School graduates who are selected by Airways for a career as an air traffic controller can pursue a relevant stream of tertiary education while waiting to reach the age of eligibility for issue of a license, and enjoy the benefit of a degree tailored to their vocational needs. On the other hand, Airways is able to employ air traffic control trainees who have tertiary qualifications that will support them in their careers as air traffic controllers,” said Mr Smout.

The Bachelor of Aviation Management is not a pre-requisite to applying for a career as an air traffic controller with Airways New Zealand, and Airways runs a recruitment programme seeking interest from people from all walks of life who meet the entry criteria to apply online at www.airways.co.nz. Applications are now being sought for the 2008 intake of air traffic control trainees.

ENDS

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