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 the interview.”

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The former Northfield 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.

Ethan Woodhall at the airportEthan Woodhall at the airport (Image: TVCA)

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 pushed me, and I thrive off that – 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.”