Pena Mason, the first student to enrol in the UK’s Civilian Air Traffic Control apprenticeship, has validated as an ATCO at Birmingham Airport.
Pena’s accomplishment is a full-circle moment for UK ATC Training, the payoff of a programme that Global ATS has proudly championed for nearly two decades.
When Pena enrolled in July of 2023, the scheme had been carefully crafted and considered, but not proven. Now, after two years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, she has completed the journey she started as a torchbearer.
Since Pena's enrolment, the programme has grown rapidly. To date, Global ATS has supported over 20 apprenticeship candidates, with several now validated. Twelve airports have signed up, and further expansion is expected in 2026. Birmingham Airport became the first unit to enrol two apprentices, a vital vote of confidence in the pathway.
Global ATS has pursued the realisation of this pathway into our industry since 2005, gaining momentum with the formation of a trailblazer group in 2015, facing setbacks amidst the COVID pandemic, and seeing the scheme brought to life in 2022 alongside Gloucestershire College.
“For me, this represents one of the proudest achievements of my career in the UK ATC market,” said Andy Cameron, Academy Director at Global ATS. “Over the past decade, I’ve been committed to championing apprenticeships as a credible and sustainable route into Air Traffic Control. I’m immensely proud of every apprentice who has embraced this pathway, but Pena holds a special place as the first to place her trust in both me and Global ATS when this route was still unproven. Seeing her validate at Birmingham Airport is incredibly rewarding and powerfully affirms the vision behind the programme. It makes me especially proud that Global ATS has played a leading role in bringing this apprenticeship to life and supporting its success.”
Paul Beat, Head of Airfield Operations at Birmingham Airport said:
“We’re delighted to mark the completion of the UK’s first ever Air Traffic Control apprenticeship at Birmingham Airport. The scheme has been a profound success, and it’s been great to witness Pena progress from training into her newly qualified position as an Air Traffic Controller. We congratulate Pena on this incredible achievement and commend her for displaying commitment, professionalism and personal drive throughout her apprenticeship. Looking forward, we remain committed to offering accessible and alternative routes into aviation by continuing to work closely with our partners including Global ATS and NATS.”
Commenting on her professional journey to date at Birmingham Airport Air Traffic Control, Pena Mason said:
“Becoming an Air Traffic Controller is the proudest achievement of my career so far. The apprenticeship gave me the structure, support and opportunity to grow not only technically but also personally. Learning in a real operational environment pushed me, challenged me and showed me what I'm capable of. Passing my validation felt like the moment everything came together - all the hard work, the long days and the belief that I could do this. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who supported me along the way.”