I am currently employed my an airline in a non-dispatch role (in a different department all together) however I am currently in the process of doing a dispatch course and acquiring my licenses. Once I have attained both of them, what is the best plan for getting into a dispatch position for the first time (no prior experience). My idea was to try and get into the department at my airline however this is not certain (depending on when they lose people whose roll they'd need to fill). Do any companies hire licensed dispatchers with no experience in hopes of training them? Most postings I've seen ask for at least 1-2 years experience which is impossible to have if one has just acquired the licenses.

Hi BeechjetYKZ,

Completing a dispatch course and completing the Transport Canada generic exams does not get you licensed. You must undergo airline specific classroom, on the job training and complete a Transport Canada mandated check-ride to become licensed as a certified dispatcher.

Some companies do assist current employees who move into the dispatch role from other operations teams (WestJet is a good example). There are very few companies in the country who will hire dispatchers who have only completed their generic exams and don't have any 705 dispatch experience. As you've noted, most prefer 1-2 years of certified dispatch experience.

The best bet for you is likely to get friendly with the dispatch manager at your airline and learn as much as you can, in addition to what you're learning by taking the dispatch course. Be sure you're 21 too!

amraam

The mainline and regional carriers definitely like some experience but that is not always the case. Our company has just hired 3 dispatchers out of a college program (that is 3 out of 4). Having seen the quality of student those programs produce it is an easy sell and they usually come well prepared. My suggestion to you would be either stay with your current employer and start dispatching there or try getting on at places like Calm air, Perimeter, Bearskin, Wasaya and other 3rd tier airlines to get experience. Then if you want to move on to the regional or mainline airlines you have good experience. I came to my first dispatch job(and my current job) with zero dispatch experience but with a flying and airline industry background. Good luck!