Already deployed on the ANSP Learning Portal are the following microlearning courses:

ATCO Refresher Training Series

• Human Factors Series
  – Tower Visual Scanning 
  – Task Saturation 
  – Similar Sounding Call Signs 
  – Memory Lapses 
  – External Distractions
   

• Emergencies Series
  – VMC/VFR into IMC
  – Team Resource Management in Emergencies 
  – Identify and Take Action During Emergency Situations  
  – Engine Failure/Loss of Thrust 
  – Hypoxia
  

• For ATCOs from Pilots Series
  – Turbulence: Pilot’s Point of View
  – Bird Activity: Pilot’s Point of View

Content on voluntary reporting programmes is also available. Quarterly launches of new courses are scheduled for deployment to add to the ever-growing catalogue of courses. The following are in development now, with some expected to be available imminently:

• Thunderstorms

• Bird Activity

• Microbursts

• Volcanic Ash - Controller to Controller

• Volcanic Ash - From the Cockpit to Controllers

• Severe Weather

• Similar Sounding Call Signs Part Two

• Runway Safety I

• Runway Safety II

In addition to these refresher studies are longer format courses in CNS Prepared Risk Management, Safety Resilience and Safety Management Systems.

“Responses to the launch of our ANSP Learning Portal, and our partnership with CANSO, have been very positive,” concludes Meeks. “The most common statement we hear during our demonstrations with ANSPs is that the courseware quality is very high and talent managers and training staff are impressed. From this type of feedback, we know we are on target and exceeding the expectations of local training departments.”

Courses in development

The CANSO-Infina partnership is a valuable resource for the air traffic community in several critical areas that resonate with the global community.

To begin with, the ANSP Learning Portal advances CANSO’s mission of working across the international network of ANSPs to exchange information and promote best practices within air traffic control.

It also provides ANSPs with access to high quality courses, a sorely needed resource, particularly in safety-related areas.

“This partnership advances global safety,” says Meeks. “Our courses focus on advancing safety and enhancing the training departments in ANSPs around the world. We leverage the science of learning and best practices to develop and standardise our training across critical safety topics of global concern. This ensures the same quality and information is provided to all subscribers.”

Importantly, the courses on offer are extremely cost-effective. Costs are shared across all courses for all subscribers, making the training economically viable for small and large ANSPs alike. The courses are developed to the highest standards of accuracy, compliance, and safety and then offered in a standard package to ANSPs of all sizes.

Providing value

As aviation resumes its growth, it has become vital for air navigation service providers (ANSPs) to ensure they have the manpower and skillsets necessary to handle demand.

An ANSP Learning Portal (ALP) is the gateway to these studies and can be accessed via mobile devices and desktop computers.

The ANSP Learning Portal has three simple steps:

• The ANSP pays an annual subscription.

• The ANSP receives a digital key code that unlocks the learning content. 

• The ANSP then uses their email address system to assign courseware to their employees. 

All the refresher courses are available to that specific ANSP’s employees for one year under the subscription agreement.

“These data driven, expertly curated and developed courses will significantly help to improve safety and air traffic management practices around the world,” says Simon Hocquard, Director General, CANSO. “They will be of particular use to those ANSPs who may not have large or easily accessible training resources of their own, and I highly recommend ATM training managers and anyone else who may be interested to take a look at the portal to find out more.”

Courses have been developed by safety experts, training leaders, and with input from subject matter experts where appropriate.  The topics follow ICAO standards and recommendations for annual refresher training. As ICAO updates these recommendations, new courses will be added to address the specific safety issues.

That has put an increasing focus on training. During Airspace World 2023, CANSO signed an agreement with Infina to deliver technical and management microlearning and mixed media courses through virtual channels.

Human factors, emergencies, and voluntary reporting courses are on offer, and the “For ATCOs from Pilots” series offers a pilot’s point of view on the issues of turbulence and bird activity.

There are multiple courses, all available 24/7, in different study formats and many in English or Spanish. CANSO and Infina will add additional languages as requested by ANSPs.