Dispatcher training varies depending on the career, with some requiring little formal training and others needing classroom and on-the-job training. Flight dispatchers attend flight school for FAA certification, while police dispatchers often rely on on-the-job training and may need life-saving and stress reduction training. Transport dispatchers typically require only a high school diploma.
Deciding where to go for dispatcher training depends largely on the type of dispatch career you are interested in. Some careers require very little formal training but rely on on-the-job training to help people learn procedures and protocols. Others may require formal classroom training, although an advanced or even four-year degree is almost never required. Specialized training for dispatchers, such as flight dispatchers or police work, often takes place in both a formal and on-the-job setting.
Flight dispatcher training is a dispatch area that deals with the day-to-day operations of moving aircraft from one location to another. Often those interested in this career will need to attend a flight school where they will learn information such as logging a flight plan, reading weather maps and airline operations. This is one of the easiest ways to earn certification as a Federal Aviation Administration dispatcher, a requirement for most commercial airline dispatch jobs. While it depends on the student and how many classes they are able to take, these programs generally take less than two years.
Many students interested in this line of work will also take some general college courses. Courses such as advanced math, science, and meteorology are directly related to dispatcher training, but are not specifically offered just for this particular line of work. They may offer a better chance of understanding the curriculum when undertaking more in-depth training in the area of flight dispatch.
Those interested in police dispatcher training may find that there is little formal training offered or required. While there are courses and workshops for 911 dispatcher training, they are often harder to find and not always required by the employer. On-the-job training will be key in this situation. Getting experience in a smaller police department or the sheriff’s office communication center will also be helpful. Formal training that may be required includes advanced life-saving techniques such as CPR as well as first aid. These are often offered through a local Red Cross or public health office. Some jobs may also require training in stress reduction techniques, as police dispatch can get quite intense at times. The employer, or potential employer, will usually tell the individual where to go for this training.
More routine types of dispatch, such as that associated with transport companies, including trucks and taxis, also require very little formal training. Those interested in these careers may be able to get started simply with a high school diploma. Most of the training will involve learning from others who have more experience.
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