Generation X,Y, Z et al.: Have the reasons to apply for an ATCO training changed over time?

At all times, perceived characteristics of youngsters have been debated and compared to former generations. In the last decades, labels such as Generation X, Y, Z or “Baby Boomers” have become popular to frame this discussion. Reasons for training problems of trainee Air Traffic Controllers, pilots or other professions have been attributed to perceived changes in characteristics and the motivation of these “Generations”. Inspired by a US study from Broach & Cannon (2011) analyzing the evolution of reasons to apply for an Air Traffic Controller (ATCO) training, questionnaire data on perceived attracting factors of and reasons to apply for an ATCO career collected between 1999 and 2024 are analyzed and compared. Data from application and/or biographical questionnaires (N>3000 for each subsample) as well as from market research among applicants (N > 100 for the subsamples) are compared based on relative frequency for selected cross sectional subsamples and aspects (e.g. mobility, advisors with regard to job choice, interest in aviation etc.). The subsamples over time are comparable due to similar entry requirements. Data from formats which make socially desirable answers more or less likely, are compared. For recent years, potential effects of performance aspects such as general mental abilities could be controlled for. Despite some shifts observed in particular factors, there seems to be more continuity than change across the various generations discussed in this time period. Potential impacts and explanations, and moderating factors such as social desirability, training demand and intensity of job marketing will be discussed.