You’re wrong. Their starting pay would be more, however, it will still be less than the bottom of the payband for the facilities they report to. There are also pay caps. This raise is merely a recruitment tool to pay more WHILE at OKC in training.
Long ago, the Academy student was given a per diem that covered reasonable food (some alcohol) and lodging at one of about five hotels that had fixed rates for Academy students. Most of the hotels even included a rental car for free. They also received a small salary. Although about 50% of those new hires failed the screening, a very difficult non radar lab pass/fail, they at least had enough monetary comfort to have time to dedicate themselves to the program. Each class would meet after class each day to do practice problems in labs they would set up at the apartments. They also had each other to hug on and cry their emotions to. It was a very tough and emotional time for all of them. But that per diem helped in giving them a chance. It was as emotional as a military boot camp. Any controller that went through it never forgets.
Individual stories deserve individual attention to the circumstances surrounding them. Giving an unqualified applicant a shot is generous but could be wasting the time of everyone involved. But you may find that one person who excels and makes the most of their shot. But we have a deficit of controllers. Whether that’s dealt with by technology or additional controllers, we have little time to fix the problem. Is an overworked, overwhelmed controller any better than a supervised trainee or no controller at all?
Charles, if that is your true name, thank you. Finally, someone with the background speaking the truth on what really went on.
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