Ab Initio Air Traffic Control Officer

Ab Initio Air Traffic Control Officer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Highlands and Islands Airports Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Train to become an Air Traffic Control Officer and manage air traffic at Sumburgh Airport.
  • Company: Join Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd., a leading Air Navigation Service Provider in the UK.
  • Benefits: Sponsored training, excellent pay, generous leave, pension, and employee support programme.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in aviation while developing essential skills in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Must be 18+, pass medical criteria, and possess strong communication and multitasking skills.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equality and supporting individuals with disabilities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We have an amazing opportunity to train to be an Air Traffic Control Officer (ATCO) and join our Air Traffic team at Sumburgh Airport. Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd. is one of the largest Air Navigation Service Providers in the UK with operations at 11 Scottish Airports.

Start the process by asking yourself if you have the prerequisite skill set to pass a specialised selection test, do you have:

  • Excellent spatial awareness;
  • Strong visual-motor coordination;
  • Strong memory skills;
  • Capacity to multi-task;
  • Excellent communication skills;
  • A strong sense of team spirit;
  • The ability to remain calm under pressure.

You must be:

  • At least 18 years of age on or before the closing date for applications
  • Able to pass the strict medical criteria set down by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Available on all the dates set out in the online applicant information.

You will be required to undertake shift work on a regular basis which will mean working some unsocial hours and weekends. In return for your professionalism and commitment we offer a sponsored training package, an excellent pay and allowance package, generous annual leave entitlement, company pension and employee assistance programme.

Visit our careers site for more information and apply online today! Closing date for applications is Sunday 8 March 2026. Please note that all salaries are subject to review through the Company’s job evaluation process.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality of opportunity at all of our airports. We have made a positive commitment to employing disabled people and aim to provide support to individuals with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and their employment. In support of our commitment to the Gaelic language and culture, as demonstrated in our Gaelic Language Plan, we welcome applications from those with Gaelic language skills.

Ab Initio Air Traffic Control Officer employer: Highlands and Islands Airports Limited

Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd. is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to train as an Air Traffic Control Officer at Sumburgh Airport, one of the UK's key air navigation service providers. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide a comprehensive training package, competitive pay, generous leave, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and teamwork. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our pension scheme and assistance programmes, making us an ideal choice for those seeking a rewarding career in aviation.
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited

Contact Detail:

Highlands and Islands Airports Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Ab Initio Air Traffic Control Officer

✨Tip Number 1

Before you even think about applying, make sure you’ve got those key skills down. Brush up on your spatial awareness and communication skills, as these are crucial for an Air Traffic Control Officer. We can’t stress enough how important it is to be calm under pressure!

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Try out some online tests or simulations that mimic the selection process. This will help you get a feel for what’s expected and boost your confidence. Remember, we’re here to support you through this journey!

✨Tip Number 3

Networking is key! Reach out to current or former ATCOs to get insider tips and advice. They can provide valuable insights into the role and the application process. Plus, it’s always good to have connections in the industry!

✨Tip Number 4

When you’re ready to apply, do it through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Make sure to double-check all your details and submit before the closing date. We can’t wait to see you join our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Ab Initio Air Traffic Control Officer

Spatial Awareness
Visual-Motor Coordination
Memory Skills
Multi-Tasking
Communication Skills
Team Spirit
Calmness Under Pressure

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know Your Skills: Before you start your application, take a moment to reflect on your skills. Make sure you can confidently tick off the boxes for spatial awareness, communication, and multi-tasking. We want to see how you fit into the role!

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send in a generic application! Make it personal by highlighting your relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for the Air Traffic Control Officer position.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and get straight to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.

Apply Online with Us: Ready to take the plunge? Head over to our careers site and submit your application online. It’s the easiest way to ensure we receive your details directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Highlands and Islands Airports Limited

✨Know Your Skills

Before the interview, take a moment to reflect on your spatial awareness, visual-motor coordination, and memory skills. Be ready to provide examples of how you've demonstrated these abilities in past experiences, as this will show that you understand the key competencies required for the role.

✨Stay Calm Under Pressure

Air Traffic Control can be intense, so practice staying calm in stressful situations. You might want to simulate high-pressure scenarios with friends or family, discussing how you'd handle them. This will help you articulate your thought process during the interview.

✨Show Team Spirit

Highlight your ability to work well in a team. Prepare anecdotes that showcase your collaborative skills and how you’ve contributed to a team’s success. This is crucial for an ATCO role, where teamwork is essential for safety and efficiency.

✨Be Ready for Shift Work

Understand the demands of shift work and be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding unsocial hours and weekends. Showing that you’re aware of and willing to embrace this aspect of the job will demonstrate your commitment to the role.

Ab Initio Air Traffic Control Officer
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited
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