Thoracoscopic (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)) lobectomy is a safe and effective method for treating early-stage lung cancer. Despite this, it is still not widely practised, which could be due to a shallow learning curve. We have evaluated the surgical outcome in a training programme at an institution with an established VATS lobectomy programme. We present the surgical data and outcome of the first 50 intended VATS lobectomies performed by a consultant in training as the primary surgeon.