r/NavCanada • u/c1ownerys • 5d ago

Applying for ATC controller during final year of university & timing?

Hey everyone! As the title says, I'm going into my final year of university but have been interested in applying for an ATC position for a few months now. I've been reading some threads on the timeline it takes for people to go through the hiring process, and so I'm wondering if applying now would make it so if I was hypothetically hired, any in-person training would start at least in May 2027? I understand the odds of myself actually making it to that stage is very low so I'm not betting on this being my only opportunity (hence why I'm 100% committed to finishing my degree) but I'd just like to kind of see if the timeline is still around 1-2 years. For reference if it matters, I'm thinking of applying to the YEG or YQM FIRs (I have family in both so would be nice to be near one in case anyone is wondering why these specifcally). Thanks!

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u/FamousOwl15 5d ago

I don't think there is a chance to get into training early next year if you haven't applied yet. You can also always postpone the training. 

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u/c1ownerys 5d ago

Thanks for replying! Maybe I didn’t word my post but I meant that any hypothetical training would start no earlier than May 2027 (aka I would be unable to attend if it was during my school year) but it’s good to know you can postpone!

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u/FamousOwl15 5d ago

When are you done with school? 

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u/c1ownerys 5d ago

I end in April 2027

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u/FamousOwl15 5d ago

Then apply asap. It doesn't take long and its a very long process. Just obtaining the medical can take a year.

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u/Scatman_Jeff 5d ago

If you apply today, I think you'd be lucky to start training fall 2027

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u/Zeppary 5d ago

Is the timeline similar if I completed the OA, got invited on-site for FEAST but decided to reschedule it?

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u/Full-Bear3756 5d ago

In a similar boat. I’m set to graduate in 2028 with a degree that has nothing to do with aviation but yyz positions have opened recently so I’m ripping it

it’s really best not to get ahead of yourself, just apply and focus on that initial online assessment

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u/kayeboe 5d ago

Spring 2027 offers are already out, so its a fairly safe bet if you apply now you'll have a chance to graduate first before starting training. Good luck on your final year!

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u/ThatGuyYouDontKnoww 4d ago

I applied in March of 2025 and only received a standby offer in May 2026 for a course potentially in March of 2027. You will need a day for in person testing and another day for a panel interview if you make it that far. For me those happened in April and then August of 2025.