Teesside graduate launches aviation career
A Teesside University graduate switched direction to launch her aviation career at Teesside International Airport.
Chloe Beckwith, who returned to education to complete Teesside University’s Foundation Degree in Aviation and Tourism, has a new role as air traffic control assistant at Teesside Airport.
The 25-year-old joined the airport team earlier this year while completing her studies at Teesside University.
Chloe said of her role in air traffic control: “I always liked it and was interested in it but, to be honest, I always thought it would be too hard.
“With the assistant role, you can learn on the job and don’t necessarily have to know everything beforehand. It was perfectly timed as it was just after I’d finished university – it worked out well.
“It’s been a challenge – there’s a lot to learn. Everyone is really nice, and they have really helped me out.”
Chloe added: “I’d 100 percent recommend it. I didn’t even know the assistant role was an option, otherwise I might well have tried it earlier.”
I didn’t think I could do it, but with the right help you can
The team in air traffic control is responsible for guiding planes in and out visually, taking requests from pilots, and working with the airport’s fire service.
She said: “You’re sat next to someone all the time – every single person there has helped me in one way or another.”
Chloe, who had previously worked at a call centre and for a major online retailer, admitted she’d kept her career move quiet at first as she was worried she wouldn’t land the role.
She added: “It is hard work and, especially from the outside looking in, I didn’t think I could do it, but with the right help you can.”
Work started this autumn to transform part of Teesside International Airport into a new aviation skills academy which will be used to train and teach Teesside University students. Find out more.
