Boro Fan Ethan Joins Tower Team to Take on Career Controlling Teesside’s Skies

A new recruit and motorsport enthusiast has kickstarted his career controlling Teesside’s skies with a former classmate.

Billingham teenager Ethan Woodhall has taken on an Air Traffic Control Assistant role at Teesside Airport this summer.

Good friends with fellow new recruit Ben Harrety, the 18-year-old took to the tower after a tour of the airport kindled his interest in Air Traffic and convinced him to pursue it as a career.

Ethan said: “I managed to get a familiarisation visit and as soon as I arrived, everyone in the team was really friendly and welcoming. They opened up to me as if I was starting. I got to see the tower and radar and find out about the role.

“After that, I thought it could be for me and I pushed on to interview.”

The former Northfield and Bede Sixth Form College student had applied to the RAF before the “prime opportunity” arose at Teesside.

He added: “I’ve never really been quite as interested in other parts of aviation – Air Traffic has been number one and the main priority. When I got the chance, I had to take it.”

Away from work, Ethan is a big Boro fan – and travelled to a number of away fixtures last season.

He’s also a motorsport fan – visiting Croft Circuit recently to watch a race.

“I want to try and do it as a hobby like Ben does with his flying – we’ll see where it takes me,” he added.

With a month of experience now under his belt, Ethan said it had been good to see what his new job is about.

He added: “Everything is unique from day-to-day. You can go from Civil Aviation – with a TUI or Ryanair flight, or over to Draken. It’s been a mix which I’m a fan of.

“When it was advertised, I thought I had the skills to do it well. The ability to multitask – I’ve got what we call a “third ear”. The jobs suits me.

“The team has been phenomenal. They’ve welcomed me in so well – they treat me like I’ve been here for months even though it’s only been a few weeks.

“If I’m every stuck or need to ask question, they give me an answer straight away and I couldn’t thank them enough.

“They’ve pushed me, and I thrive off that – it’s great to see the team and we all get on so well.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m proud of the progress our teams are making every day in ensuring our local airport is a success – and our Air Traffic Control team is a vital part of this.

“It’s great to see a local lad in Ethan taking on a career with us. Without him, and all the team, our airport would grind to a halt. We’re working hard every day on securing new flights, making our business park a success and creating good well-paid jobs for local people.

“It’s great to see Ethan adding to that number.”

Phil Forster, Managing Director of Teesside Airport, added: “Ethan has been a great addition to the Air Traffic team. We’ve a great mix of youth and experience in the tower – as well as a healthy mix of different aviation backgrounds.

“It’s always good to see local people take up roles and building a career here – and I hope Ethan has many happy years ahead with us as he continues on his journey.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Steven Curtis Photography