The United States (US) government has urged people skilled at video games to consider careers as air traffic controllers, as aviation authorities attempt to address persistent staff shortages in the sector.
In a new recruitment campaign, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is explicitly appealing to gamers ahead of a hiring window set to open next week.
One promotional video begins with the Xbox logo before transitioning to fast-cut scenes of people playing computer games alongside air traffic controllers, including women, working at radar screens inside control towers.
"You’ve been training for this," the advert states, drawing a parallel between gaming and the rapid decision-making required in air traffic control.
The campaign also promotes the financial incentives of the role, saying that controllers can earn up to $155,000 (£115,000) after three years.
US Transportation Secretary Sean P Duffy said the agency needed to rethink how it attracted new talent.
He said the FAA was tapping into a "growing demographic of young adults" who already possess many of the core skills required for the safety-critical job, including focus, spatial awareness and the ability to perform under pressure.
The initiative echoes a similar push launched in 2021 under the Biden administration, branded "Level Up," which also sought to recruit gamers into the profession.
READ ALSO: Job Openings Announced in Bayelsa, Across Three States
Air traffic controllers play a central role in aviation safety, monitoring and directing aircraft to prevent collisions and manage traffic at and around airports.
Industry guidance describes the job as highly demanding, requiring technical expertise and split-second judgement in high-stress environments.
Despite its importance, the profession has faced chronic staffing challenges.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests the shortfall is expected to widen over the coming years.
The FAA had previously said it required 14,663 active controllers to be fully staffed but was at least 3,000 short last year, with thousands more expected to retire or leave by 2028.
Duffy said on Friday that staffing levels were currently at their highest point in six years, though no detailed figures were provided.
Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, said the union supported innovative efforts to broaden the recruitment pool, provided standards were not diluted.
"Our union welcomes creative outreach to individuals with high-level aptitude skills such as gamers, so long as all pathways uphold the rigorous requirements of this safety-critical profession," he said.