Nashua Community College First School In New Hampshire To Offer Enhanced Air Traffic–Collegiate Training

NASHUA, NH — New air traffic controller training will soon be offered in the Granite State.

Nashua Community College has reached an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration to offer curriculum and advanced training technology as part of the Enhanced Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative, aimed at recruiting and training the next generation of air traffic controllers. The college is the fifth school named and one of eight offering nine programs from the FAA’s Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

“Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re solving the air traffic controller shortage one step at a time,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. “Our new partnership with Nashua Community College will help us continue to attract the best and brightest to fill our air traffic control towers. To all the young Americans considering a career in this exciting field — your work will make flying safer and more efficient than ever.”

The FAA received more than 10,000 applications after the last wave of requests for new air traffic controllers. The filing period ended in mid-March. More than 8,300 were referred for testing. Applicants then must pass the air traffic skills assessments and screening, such as medical and security requirements. They then must pass the performance verification and receive an endorsement certificate. The applicants then begin training in Oklahoma.

According to the FAA, 550, the highest number of students ever, will be enrolled in the academy by the end of the month.

“Expanding opportunities in high-demand fields is essential to ensuring New Hampshire has a dependable pipeline of talent,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte said. “This partnership with Nashua Community College will help build the workforce of tomorrow right here in the Granite State, while opening new doors for students to pursue rewarding careers that keep our state strong and our nation safe.”

Other applicants can bypass the introductory program and go straight to the academy. Many applicants, too, are coming from the military and private industry, where they already have experience in the process. They receive enhanced training with simulators, according to officials.

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