TCI Airports Authority and Ministry of Education Jointly Launch Air Traffic Controller Scholarship for Turks and Caicos Islanders
- News Release
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Four fully funded places available. Apply by 17th July 2026.
The Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority (TCIAA) today announced the launch of its Air Traffic Services (ATS) Scholarship Programme, a fully funded pathway designed to train Turks and Caicos Islanders for careers as air traffic controllers.
This year’s programme offers four (4) scholarships covering the cost of training, assessment, and certification — equipping successful candidates with the skills needed to work toward licensing as air traffic controllers. It forms part of TCIAA's and the Ministry of Education’s wider commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the safe, efficient management of the territory's skies.
As the statutory body responsible for the territory's six public airports, TCIAA is mandated to provide air navigation and air traffic control services across the Turks and Caicos Islands. The scholarship comes as the Authority invests in the future of aviation in the islands, including the construction of a new, state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control Tower in Providenciales and the advancement of its Surveillance Radar Integration project.
The partnership between the Authority and the Ministry of Education reflects a shared commitment to building these careers at home, and to making sure the people who keep the territory's skies safe come from the communities they serve.
"For a young Islander to look up at a plane coming in to land and realise that one day they could be the person guiding it safely home — that's what this scholarship is really about. We're investing in our own people, opening up a genuine career that hasn't always felt within reach, and helping to keep our skies safe in the process. I'd encourage every young person who meets the criteria - particularly our high school leavers and Community College Students - to put their name forward." said Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture.
According to Hon. Arlington Musgrove, Minister for Physical Planning and Infrastructure Development and with responsibility for airports, “Air traffic controllers are in short supply right across the world at the moment, and the demand for them isn't slowing down. Rather than keep recruiting from overseas, we'd much rather train our own people — and that's exactly what this programme does. It's a practical, forward-looking step that closes a real skills gap and keeps the future of this profession in Islander hands, right here in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
About the role
Air traffic controllers are responsible for the safe and orderly flow of aircraft through controlled airspace and on the ground. Working from the control tower and operations room, they monitor airspace, communicate clear instructions to pilots, sequence arrivals and departures, and maintain safe separation between aircraft — often making fast, accurate decisions under pressure. It is a skilled, well-respected profession that rewards focus, sharp communication, spatial awareness, and a calm temperament.
Who can apply
No prior aviation experience is required; the scholarship is designed to train candidates from the ground up. Applicants should meet the following criteria:
Minimum age of 17
Must be a Turks and Caicos Islander with ability to prove status
English Language proficiency
Medical fitness
Minimum Academic Requirements
Three (3) to five (5) CXC (CSEC) passes at Grades I-III, or equivalent qualification (IGCSE/GCSE).
Passes must include Mathematics and English Language
Successful completion of an aptitude assessment
The following subjects are not mandatory but are strongly recommended, as they provide a foundation particularly well suited to the demands of air traffic control training:
Physics (highly recommended)
Information Technology/Computer Science
Geography
Core Competencies
Beyond academic qualifications, successful applicants must demonstrate:
Strong critical thinking and reasoning skills;
Clear and effective verbal and written communication;
The ability to perform calmly and accurately under pressure;
High attention to detail; and
A strong sense of responsibility and sound judgement.
Successful candidates will complete funded training and assessments leading toward licensing regulated by the Turks and Caicos Islands Civil Aviation Authority (TCICAA), with the opportunity to begin a career as a licensed air traffic controller with TCIAA.
How to apply
The application portal hosted by the Ministry of Education will open on Friday, 3rd July 2026 and will close on Friday, 17th July 2026. For full eligibility details and further information will be released ahead of the portal opening, but interested persons are encouraged to begin gathering their supporting information from now.