I have ties to both Alberta as well as B.C. when the time comes for me to apply to be be an ATC, I would want to apply from the province which I can get checked out in faster as well as the one in which I am most likely to succeed in. Which of the provinces would run more courses for the year? IFR or VFR, either one works good for me.

Thank You.

Edmonton definitely offers the greatest opportunity to get into training. Not to say there isn't opportunities in Vancouver but given the demand in Edmonton it is likely you would have a better chance there.

Check out https://takecharge.navcanada.ca/infogra ... hic-EN.pdf

Vancouver has been short-staffed for years. It's hard to know whether this is due to a deliberate cheapskate policy, or whether it's because they have difficulty finding enough qualified staff (I have heard both excuses).

Also, I'm not sure how long the "red hot economy" in Alberta will continue now that oil is $50/barrel.

I don't think check out time should be factor in your consideration. There are wayyyyy too many variables that come into line here. Apply, get in and go with the flow.

Thanks for your replies, come to think of it, I do agree that check out time shouldn't be a factor. I wanted to figure out if it would make a difference applying from either of these provinces. I know some people may apply and not get through the process until after 18 months, others get through in as little as 3 months.

Timing is everything !

vince79 wrote:Timing is everything !

+1 - I first started the process in January 2012 and here I am 3+ years later and I only recently completed the final interview. Timing is everything.

Hey Rspencer, Which province did you apply from?

Newfoundland

Probably too late in regards to your application, but for any one else, it's Edmonton.

2 specialties are critically understaffed, 3 others are understaffed, leaving only 2 with good staffing. Also factor in that Edmonton gets less seniority bid requests than Vancouver to take away seats.