Air traffic control recruitment reopens for new trainees

Anyone mulling over a change of career this festive season should consider life as an air traffic controller, as NATS opens its doors to new applications.

Recruitment for NATS’ Trainee Air Traffic Controller Apprenticeship programme opens today (16 December 2025) and is expected to run until the end of January.

Air traffic controllers play a critical role in keeping the skies safe, handling over 2.5 million flights each year, either from airport towers or one of NATS’ two radar control centres. This festive season, NATS is offering an opportunity for people to kick-start a hugely fulfilling career at the heart of the aviation industry.

Claire Burton, Head of Operational Excellence and Transformation at NATS, said: “Whether you’re considering a career change or just starting out, being a controller is a fantastic job that makes a difference every day. So, if you’re looking for something fresh and exciting to start 2026, we want to hear from you, regardless of your background or experience.”

Applicants don’t need any prior aviation knowledge – just five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above (or Scottish National 5s Grade A-C), including English and Maths, and must be able to pass a medical and obtain security clearance.

Claire added: “Our controllers come from all sorts of backgrounds. You don’t need any specialist knowledge, but the ability to work well as a team, show adaptability and personal resilience is really important.”

Successful applicants will complete 12-15 months of initial training covering theory and simulator work, before being posted to an airport tower somewhere in the UK or to one of NATS’ radar control centres in Swanwick, Hampshire or Prestwick, Ayrshire. Once posted, trainees then gain hands-on experience under supervision until they become full valid controllers.

Trainee controllers start on a package of £31,136, with some experienced controllers earning upwards of £100,000.

Trainee controller tuition is delivered through an accredited Level 5 apprenticeship, and NATS offers a lump sum to help cover travel and medical assessment costs for candidates from lower income backgrounds or with caring responsibilities. For the first time NATS is also offering a bursary payment to successful candidate from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Applications are now open. Visit nats.aero/careers/trainee-air-traffic-controllers to find out more and apply.