A career like no other

24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, our Air Traffic Controllers help keep aircraft flying, passengers travelling, cargo moving and the skies above us safe.

Our Level 5 Apprenticeship Trainee Air Traffic Controller course involves 1-2 years of training at one of our initial training organisations to embark on your journey towards gaining a Student Air Traffic Control licence.

Once you have gained your Student Air Traffic Control licence, you will be posted to an operational unit where your hands-on training continues until you validate and are issued your full Air Traffic Controller licence.

We are committed to the highest standards that keep the skies safe, so if you have what it takes and commit 100% to your training, an amazing career awaits!

APPLICATION WINDOW. Please note that we do not have confirmed timeframes as to when we will reopen applications for our Air Traffic Controller courses at this stage. We would encourage you to register your interest on our website to be one of the first to find out when applications re-open.

What do Controllers do?

Each year, around 2.5 million flights and 250 million people fly above our heads in UK skies. Our Air Traffic Controllers work with pilots to make that happen quickly, efficiently and, most importantly, safely.

There are three different types of Controllers: Aerodrome (Tower), Area and Approach. Each of these require different skill sets and responsibilities based on their roles, as well as being based in different locations.

Meet a Controller

Hear Controllers and Trainees talk about the training programme, career opportunities, work-life balance and the enjoyment that comes from being an Air Traffic Controller.

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Your career cleared for take off
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Advice for future TATCs
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Advice for Future Trainee Air Traffic Controllers
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Our stories
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Our stories - training as an air traffic controller
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Life at NATS
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Life at NATS - Trainee Air Traffic Controller
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Becoming a Controller - Altitude webcast

In this episode of our Altitude webcast we explore the whole recruitment process, from understanding the requirements and the application process through to assessment and beyond. We also look at the training, what’s involved and how candidates can best prepare for success.

Two experienced air traffic controllers will share their experiences of recruitment, training and validation and what it’s like to then put that learning into practice looking after some of the UK’s most congested airspace and one of its busiest control towers.

Eligibility and application process

The path to becoming a Controller is not a quick and easy one. It takes time and commitment but the rewards at the end make it all worth while. 

An overview of the steps you need to follow to qualify is laid out below.

  • Eligibility

    You will be commencing training in a safety critical role and as such must meet our eligibility requirements. If you don’t we will reject your application from the outset.

    You must: 

    • Be aged 18+ 
    • Have the right to work in the UK, without requiring sponsorship. If you’re unsure, check the Home Office guidance. 
    • Possess 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or Scottish National 5’s Grade A-C including English and Maths. Equivalent qualifications are accepted. 
    • Adhere to the NATS drug & alcohol policy from the point of signing your contract. 

    Be 100% honest with all your answers, failure to declare something important may impact your clearance.

  • Assessment

    Please be prepared to attend a virtual assessment centre by the end of July. You could be booked onto an assessment centre as soon as 1 week after a successful application.

    Stage 1 online assessments

    Having successfully registered and been approved, you’ll be invited to sit nine online tests. These are designed to assess skills such as spatial awareness, logical thinking and reaction speed.

    Stage 2 online assessments

    If you pass the stage 1 assessments, you’ll be invited to an online Situational Judgement Test and Personality Questionnaire.

    Stage 3 assessment centre

    If you pass the stage 2 assessments and meet the minimum requirements, you'll be asked to attend a 1 day assessment day. This is held virtually (via Microsoft Teams).  You will take part in an interview, a group exercise and two online tests – an Air Traffic Control knowledge test and a retest of the stage one tests.

    If you pass the assessment centre, you will be made a conditional offer of employment (subject to achieving relevant security and medical clearances).

    Once you have achieved your Class 3 medical clearance, we will assign you to a training course, provide you with an employment start date and the security clearance process will begin a maximum of 6 months in advance of your start date.

    If you don't pass one of these stages, you can reapply after 12 months. You can apply to become a Controller a maximum of three times.

  • Training

    Complete the college-based training

    If you pass the assessment centre, you will begin the medical and security clearance processes immediately, with employment start dates beginning from September 2025. After a short induction period at our Corporate and Technical Centre in Hampshire, you will attend one of our initial training organisations to embark on your journey towards gaining a Student Air Traffic Control licence.

    The length of college-based training varies depending on a host of factors, including the specialism you take and how quickly you can complete different phases. Most college-based training is completed within a year to eighteen months and includes a combination of practical and theory based sessions.

    Complete the operational training

    Once you have gained your Student Air Traffic Control licence, you will be posted to an operational unit where your hands-on training continues until you validate and are issued your full Air Traffic Controller licence.

    Please remember that Air Traffic Controllers are mobile grades, which means that you may be required to work anywhere in the UK and ultimately this will be determined by the needs of the Company.

    Congratulations!

    Now you are ready to play your critical part in advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe!

Training at our Prestwick Centre

Working locations

Training at our College in Hampshire

Salary and benefits

As well as receiving a salary when training you're entitled to an industry leading benefits package.

As a Trainee Air Traffic Controller Apprentice, you'll start with a package of £31,136.95* per year, which comprises of the basic salary £22,375.80* and an annual accommodation allowance equivalent to £8,761.15*, paid monthly throughout your basic training.

After completing your basic training (length differs per individual but approximately 12-15 months) and starting your unit based training your salary will rise to approximately £36,000* (inclusive of shift allowance, dependant on location).  Once you have successfully completed your training, your salary will increase to between £48,480-54,032* depending on the unit you are posted to.

You'll also enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including a market-leading contributory pension scheme, 28 days of annual leave plus public holidays, and a variety of voluntary benefits to suit your needs. Additional perks include access to numerous social networks and social clubs, as well as a peer support network throughout the business to support you along the way. With a strong focus on family-friendly policies and employee well-being, a career at NATS offers excellent opportunities for both personal and professional development. More detailed information on benefits will be provided when you join us.

*At 2025 rates.

More about benefits

Inside our Digital Tower facility

FAQs

We receive a lot of questions related to the application, assessment and training process for becoming an Air Traffic Controller. We've tried to address those that most commonly come up below. If they don't answer your question, you can contact us.

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Ready to apply?

Are you motivated to pursue a career as an Air Traffic Controller? If yes, and you are eligible, then you are cleared for application take off!

The application window is currently closed.

We don't want to waste your time - so please check and confirm your eligibility (criteria described in the 'Eligibility and application' section above) to register your interest and get notified as soon as the application window opens.

Check your eligibility and register

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  • Place and Mobility of Work

    Before you apply, consider whether you can relocate and the impact this will have on your personal relationships with friends and family.

    We have sites all over the UK, from Aberdeen to Hampshire, Belfast to Cardiff. As an air traffic controller, you could be posted to any of these sites based on the company's needs.

    You won’t be able to express a preference, so you’ll need to adapt to different environments and embrace potentially living elsewhere.

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