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!

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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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+ at the time of applying.
    • You have the right to work in the UK without the need for Sponsorship now or in the future. 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

    Stage 1
    Having successfully registered and been approved, you’ll be invited to sit eleven online ability tests. These are designed to assess skills such as spatial awareness, logical thinking, numerical ability, sense of direction and reaction speed.

    Stage 2
    If you pass the stage 1 assessments, you’ll be invited to an online Situational Judgement Test and an online Listening Comprehension test.

    Consent note – Assessments at Stage 1 and 2

    These assessments will be virtually proctored by AON. You will be required to provide consent to the use of your webcam and microphone to validate test-taker identity. If you do not consent, you will be blocked from taking the assessments.

    Stage 3
    If you pass the stage 2 assessments and meet the minimum requirements, you'll be invited to attend an assessment centre. This is held virtually (via Microsoft Teams). You will take part in an interview and an Air Traffic Control knowledge test, as well as a retest of the previous tests whilst being observed.

    Stage 4
    If you pass the stage 3 assessments, you will be invited to take part in a practical exercise. This is held either virtually (via Microsoft Teams) or Face to Face at our Whiteley office.

    If you pass these assessments, 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.

    Assessment Centres for 2025/2026 recruitment will happen from January 2026.

  • 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 March 2026. 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

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

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!

We don't want to waste your time - so please check and confirm your eligibility (criteria described in the 'Eligibility and application' section above) before you apply.

Check your eligibility and apply now

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