Learner stories: “I'd like to be an air traffic controller – that's my main goal”

Megan Dutton, a 17-year-old learner at Craven College, is about to begin studying a Level 3 Travel and Tourism with Aviation qualification. Here, we caught up with Megan to discover how studying is helping to prepare her to achieve her career aspiration of being an air traffic controller. 

Why did you choose to study this qualification?   

“The qualification I'm going on to next year is the NCFE Level 3 Travel and Tourism with Aviation. The reason why I chose to actually do this qualification was because last year, in September, I started doing a Level 2 Aviation course. Now I'd like to progress even more, as I feel like I'll be able to excel in this course.” 

What skills have you learned whilst studying? 

“So far on my journey, the skills that I've learned are to be more confident, to be able to communicate better, and my technology skills. For example, I'm really good at writing up all my coursework – and if there are tests, I know the skills of how to revise now. 

“I've also learned more knowledge which I'm able to pass on to other future students that come up. My skills have broadened, and I've been able to do more things that I might have not been able to do two years ago.” 

What are your career goals for the future? 

“My plan is to study the NCFE Level 3 Travel and Tourism with Aviation qualification and then after that, I'll look to do my Level 4, 5 and 6 – which is a degree course based at the Aviation Academy.  

“I’d then like to start off my career as being a duty support officer, before becoming an airport duty manager and then finally, an air traffic controller – that's my main goal. I can just picture myself being in that job role later on in life!” 

What would you say to others considering taking this travel and tourism qualification? 

“If you do get the opportunity to study aviation at any college, I'd definitely do it because it offers really good opportunities, and you can progress – plus, it's very interesting!” 

To find out more about the travel and tourism qualifications we offer, visit our travel homepage.