Tom swaps factory floor for top-flight job

A LITTLE more than a year ago, he was a supervisor in a local factory.

This week, Waterford man Tom Colbert begins work as a newly qualified air traffic controller.

Training began for Mr Colbert in February last year. Today he is realising his dream at Waterford Airport, having said goodbye to his previous job in the store at the local Hasbro factory.

An intensive selection process was used to choose him from a list of prospective candidates, according to air traffic services manager at Waterford Airport Donal Leahy.

“All the applicants were rigorously tested — the Irish Aviation Authority provided us with a detailed aptitude test for our potential air traffic controller.

“We were only able to select one applicant to proceed with the programme, so it was very important that we chose the best person for the job.”

Mr Colbert began his basic training in Sligo, before moving to Rudloe College at Shoreham Airport in Britain, which is dedicated to air traffic control training.

Having successfully completed basic training and all exams, he then returned to Waterford Airport to complete three months of on-the-job training. During this period, he was able to work as an air traffic controller under the close supervision of his instructor.

“We were immediately impressed by Tom’s great enthusiasm for the job,” says Mr Leahy.

Mr Colbert, who lives in Kilmeaden with his wife Denise and daughter Rhiannon, previously worked for Hasbro Ireland as a store supervisor.

“It’s a real lifestyle change for me. Being an air traffic controller is a totally different career, but it’s this variety that really appeals to me.”

According to Mr Leahy, it is “unusual” for the airport to train an air traffic controller from scratch.

“It is a very expensive process and one which we would have found much more difficult had it not been for the funding and other assistance we received from FÁS,” he said.

FÁS supported Waterford Airport through its One Step Up initiative, designed to up-skill people in employment using training and development programmes.

Waterford Airport is vital to the economic well-being of the south-east, said FÁS assistant manager in services to business Eamonn McGettigan. “FÁS recognises the importance of training to regional economic development,” he said.