Air traffic controller jobs

NATS, the primary supplier of air navigation services in the United Kingdom, offers a training program that prospective air traffic controllers must complete in order to be hired by the organization.

NATS provides its members with a variety of possibilities for training, including the following:

apprenticeship programs for high school graduates

placement years for students currently enrolled in undergraduate programs

programs for graduates seeking training

internships.

To be qualified for an apprenticeship at the entry level, you will require five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and Math. On the other hand, if you want to apply for a graduate training program, you will need a solid first degree.

There is a lot of competition for the available spots, and the application procedure is quite difficult. It consists of many levels of evaluations, both online and in person, that test your judgment as well as your cognitive and decision-making abilities.

You will be invited to join NATS as a Trainee Air Traffic Controller if you are successful in passing all of the assessments. During your time as a Trainee Air Traffic Controller, you will spend between a year and 18 months studying an intensive course that combines theory and practical-based sessions.

After that, you will be assigned to an airport or control center where you will continue your practical training and work toward obtaining a license to operate as an air traffic controller. Once you have obtained this license, you will be qualified to work in this field.

It may take around three years to complete the whole training procedure. You will also need to be physically healthy enough to satisfy the requirements set out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Global ATS, which is the only other CAA-approved training provider in the UK, provides training slots that may either be self-funded or sponsored.

What kinds of things might I anticipate throughout my time working as an air traffic controller?

Your duties will be different from one aspect of air traffic control to another, depending on the sector you work in. There are three different areas of expertise:

Controllers for specific areas, who are often located in a control center for a whole region. They are responsible for the aircraft throughout the stages of the flight that include climbing, descending, and being on route. They follow and direct planes at higher altitudes.

Approach controllers are responsible for managing airplanes as they get closer to an airport in order to ensure the safest and most effective landing sequences. Approach controllers may also be responsible for managing planes that are traveling through the airspace near their airport, in addition to aircraft that have just taken off and are still in the beginning phase of their flight.

Aerodrome controllers, who are normally stationed in a control tower and are accountable for the security of aircraft as they travel about an airport as well as the granting of permissions for takeoff and landing, are the people in charge of the job.

Regardless of the sector in which you work, if you are going to be a member of a team that is responsible for the secure transportation of thousands of people each and every day, you will need to be:

really dedicated and eager to succeed

capable of maintaining focus for extended periods of time

confident and cool under pressure

rapid in both the processing of information and the response it makes in critical circumstances.

You will also need to have strong abilities in the areas of planning and decision-making, as well as a comfortable level with technology and effective communication skills.

You will work in shifts, and depending on the demands of the firm, you could be required to travel around to other places.

Controllers of air traffic are required to comply with the Rail and Transport Safety Act, which prohibits the use of any drugs and sets stringent limitations on the amount of alcohol in their blood. As a result of this, you will likely be required to submit to random drug and alcohol testing at some point.

Who are some potential employers for me in the field of air traffic control?

The only company that hires area controllers to operate on en-route services in the United Kingdom's area control centers in Swanwick and Prestwick is National Air Traffic Services (NATS).

There are other employment possibilities available with privately held air traffic control businesses in addition to NATS, which is a significant employer of approach and aerodrome controllers.

Direct employment of controllers may also be found at some rural airports.

What about previous job experience in the field of air traffic control?

Current students may participate in paid placement years via NATS. You might also submit an application for a paid internship lasting for a period of six weeks.

Work experience in an environment involving air traffic control is not required since comprehensive training will be offered; nevertheless, previous experience working in an area involving customer service or communications might be advantageous.

How promising are my chances to become an air traffic controller?

As you acquire more experience and hone your abilities, you may have the opportunity to advance into supervisory or managerial responsibilities, in which you would be responsible for a group of controllers working under your direction.

There is also the possibility of you moving into a function that involves evaluating and instructing newly recruited employees.

Learning new skills and continuing one's education during a career in air traffic control is very necessary. In addition to the required training courses for your industry, you should also give some thought to furthering your education and enhancing your managerial abilities by pursuing a postgraduate degree.

The Royal Aeronautical Society has given its stamp of approval to the industry-relevant master's programs in Aviation Management that are offered at City, University of London. These programs are also designed to accommodate students who already have full-time jobs.

Our master's degrees will provide you with the chance to refresh your expertise in a variety of crucial industrial sectors while also allowing you to develop a lifetime network of peers in the field.