The UK’s first ever civilian Air Traffic Control (ATC) Apprentice has successfully qualified as an Air Traffic Controller at Birmingham Airport (BHX).
Following the successful completion of an intensive assessment and training programme, Pena Mason, who became the UK’s first civilian ATC apprentice in the UK in 2023, is now fully qualified to control solo in Aerodrome Control at BHX. Prior to her apprenticeship, Pena worked in various supporting roles at Birmingham ATC before being selected to become the first ever civilian ATC apprentice in July 2023.
Pena successfully completed her Basic and Aerodrome licencing courses at Global ATS, Gloucester and then undertook extensive on-the-job training at Birmingham Airport. After completing the ATCO Apprenticeship Scheme and award of a Level 5 Diploma, Pena continued her practical and theoretical training over four phases of unit on the job training accompanied by members of the Birmingham Air Traffic training team.
Pena’s four phases of training concluded with a formal practical and theoretical examination which she successfully passed, officially qualifying as an Aerodrome Controller. For Birmingham Airport, the success of the apprenticeship scheme has been profound, with a clear desire to continue the progression of candidates through the apprenticeship programme, cultivating the next generation of Air Traffic Controllers.
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.” 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.” In 2024 Birmingham Airport (BHX) served 12.8m passengers a year.
It is the 7th largest UK airport with 35 airlines operating over 140 direct destinations and 657 onward destinations. BHX’s 25-26 financial year capital investment plan totals £76.5m for this period – which equates to around £1.5m being spent each week focusing on asset replacement, ensuring capacity growth and environmental improvements.
BHX will become a net zero carbon operation by 2033, with circa 12.3m within the 60 minutes catchment area of BHX. It’s one of the West Midlands’ largest employers, supporting 30,900 jobs and contributing £1.5bn in GVA (gross value added) to the region’s economy – whilst, in the years to 2033, the airport plans to increase its annual passenger numbers to +18m, which will result in GVA rising to £2.1bn and jobs supported to 34,000.
Birmingham Airport is one of the best-connected airports in the UK, with strong road and public transport links, including direct access to the mainline railway. Future connectivity will be further enhanced by the introduction of Sprint rapid transit buses and a potential metro extension.
When the new HS2 railway is built including its automated people mover linking directly to the BHX terminal, central London will be just 37 minutes away by train.
