Guiding over 2.5 million flights carrying some 250 million passengers is no mean feat, but thanks to a combination of state-of-the-art technology and the expertise and dedication of our people, that’s exactly what NATS achieves over the course of every year.

But by 2030, we’re expecting another 1.5 million flights in UK airspace, and in order to meet that future demand, we’re looking more controllers to come and join us.

Despite air traffic control being an exciting and rewarding career, our research has uncovered that few people are aware of it as a career option – and if they do, they don’t think it’s one for them. In fact, 85% of young people we surveyed had never considered a career in aviation, with jobs in retail, professional services and healthcare being least four times more likely to be discussed in careers meetings.

But why? One of the main issues is visibility. Air traffic control is the invisible infrastructure that keeps airlines and airports moving around the globe safely and efficiently, but you can’t see it – and you rarely hear about it either.

Another problem is the misconception that it’s a hugely stressful job with very high academic entry requirements, when the reality is neither of these things is true.  So, to tie in with exam results time we’ve launched a nationwide recruitment campaign to find the next generation of air traffic controllers, and you could be one of them…

Our air traffic controllers play a hugely important role in keeping our skies and passengers safe.

Aviation and the air traffic control profession offers young people a vibrant and fulfilling career path.

Liz Sugg, Aviation Minister

August can be a nerve-wracking time for those receiving important results and weighing up their career options, but being an air traffic controller is less about educational capabilities and more to do with the cognitive, innate skills that you probably don’t even know you have.

While it’s impossible to say exactly what type of person makes a good controller – we have great controllers from all walks of life at NATS – we are looking for people who can process information quickly and accurately, have good spatial awareness, are good decision-makers, and can work as part of a team.

Meet Sarah. She’s been an air traffic controller for five years and now works in our London Area Control centre in Swanwick, Hampshire…

Entrants only need five GCSEs (A*-C/4-9) including English and Maths to apply and once through the recruitment process, trainees will go through NATS’ ATC training programme in Hampshire, Spain or Gloucester before being posted to one of our airport towers or control centres to then become fully validated controllers.

As well as offering trainee controllers a rewarding, exciting and varied job doing something truly important, air traffic control is one of few jobs where you don’t take your work home with you.

It really is a fantastic career, but don’t just take our word for it…

For more information about becoming a trainee air traffic controller, or to apply, visit our careers page.

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18.09.2018

20:24

John Viel

Is there an upper age limit? Passion for aviation and am really ready for a change

Hi, John. There is no upper age limit, so as long as you meet the criteria I’d say get your application in! Good luck! https://www.nats.aero/careers/trainee-air-traffic-controllers/

16.05.2019

13:43

kimberley walsh

Hi, is it possible to train if you have a young family especially having to train so far away from home?

07.12.2020

12:34

Max Massetti

Hello,

This is a relatively old post at this point but I am curious to know how often the Application Process is opened? Is it a yearly occurrence, much like with the Banks and Government Apprenticeship and Graduate Schemes?

I look forward to someone replying to this comment.

Thank you.


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