24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year, our Air Traffic Controllers are the foundation of the aviation network and come from all walks of life.
Our Level 5 Apprenticeship Trainee Air Traffic Controller course requires no prior aviation experience and 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.
After you achieve your Student Air Traffic Control licence, you’ll move to an operational unit to build real-world experience and continue training through to validation and your full Air Traffic Controller licence.
There’s no one thing that creates the perfect controller, but with the ambition, dedication and commitment to your training, an amazing career awaits!
What do Air Traffic Controllers do?
Our Air Traffic Controllers are a team of almost 1,800 highly trained individuals that work with pilots to help keep aircraft flying, passengers travelling, cargo moving and the skies above us safe.
There are three different types of Controllers: Aerodrome (Tower), Area and Approach. Each of these are based in different locations and require different skill sets and responsibilities based on their roles.
Hear from our Controllers and Trainees as they talk about;
- the training programme,
- career opportunities,
- work-life balance,
- and the enjoyment that comes from being an Air Traffic Controller.
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.
Training at our Prestwick Centre
Life in the College
Your journey starts in one of our training centres. We have centres in both Whiteley and Gloucestershire that are set up specifically to teach the skills needed to obtain a student air traffic controller license. During your time in the college, you’ll be part of a cohort of other Trainee Air Traffic Controllers, working alongside each other as you learn and develop your skills throughout the course.
It’s important to remember that although you’ll be training in the college, you will be embarking on a professional, paid position of employment, and that your behaviour can impact others, intentionally or unintentionally. We expect you to conduct yourself appropriately during your time in the college and during the path of your career.
Most college-based training is completed within a year to eighteen months, however 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.
This training includes both theory-based sessions and practical training in our onsite Air Traffic Control Simulators. Your knowledge and experience is assessed regularly throughout the course, which contributes towards your eventual validation as a student air traffic controller.
Once you have gained your Student Air Traffic Control licence, you will be posted to an operational unit. Here, your hands-on training continues until you validate and are issued your full Air Traffic Controller licence, ready to play your critical part in advancing aviation and keeping the skies safe!
An Air Traffic Controller is a mobile grade. During your training, you’ll be stationed at one of our two training locations (NATS CTC, Whiteley, Hampshire or Global ATS, Gloucestershire airport, Cheltenham) where you’ll be attending a combination of practical and theory-based sessions in-person.
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 license.
As a mobile grade, NATS can offer the chance to work in a range of UK locations and operational environments. Where you’re posted will reflect your skills, training and the needs of the business but the variety of locations can be a real advantage - helping you broaden your experience and accelerate your development.
As a Trainee Air Traffic Controller Apprentice, you'll start with a package of £34,611.60* per year, which comprises of the basic salary of £25,500* and an annual accommodation allowance equivalent to £9,111.60*, paid monthly throughout your basic training. You will also receive a £1000 ‘Welcome Bonus’, paid in your first months’ salary and a £500 ‘Post College training transition bonus’, paid when you finish College 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 between approximately £37,490 - £42,786* (inclusive of shift allowance, dependant on location). Once you have successfully completed your training, your salary will increase to between £50,468- £56,247* 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.
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.
Whilst you may state a preference, you’ll need to adapt to different environments and embrace potentially living elsewhere.
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Trainee Air Traffic Controllers in Cheltenham employer: NATS Limited
NATS is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and innovation in aviation. With opportunities for professional growth and development, particularly in the Network Design team at our Whiteley or Prestwick locations, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences. Our comprehensive reward package ensures that you can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to the advancement of air navigation services.
