Darlington’s Chloe Beckwith has traded shifts at Amazon and call-handing at EE for looking after Teesside’s skies as an Air Traffic Control Assistant at Teesside Airport.
The 25-year-old has always retained a love of aviation – and joined the Teesside team in April while on a course at Teesside University.
The graduate hasn’t looked back since – and is now chalking up valuable experience under the watch of experienced handlers.
Chloe said: “I always liked it and was interested in it but, to be honest, I always thought it would be too hard. I thought I wasn’t smart enough for it.
“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.
“Everyone is really nice, and they have really helped me out.”
Working in Air Traffic can be fast-moving – and does involve multi-tasking and prioritisation.
Every day is different, Chloe explained.
Chloe added: “It’s been a challenge – there’s a lot to learn.
“I’d 100% recommend it. I didn’t even know the Assistant role was an option – otherwise, I might well have tried it earlier.”
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.”
But Chloe also 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.
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“If I have a good day, and I don’t make mistakes, it’s amazing and a big accomplishment.
“Maybe this time next year, I’ll know it all.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Keeping talent like Chloe in good paid jobs in our region is crucial if we want to realise our ambitions for the future of Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool.
“Chloe is yet another example of someone who has returned home to build a successful career, and I wish her all the best on her journey with us.”
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