Air traffic controller

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• a trainee scheme

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You could do an apprenticeship to get into this career, for example:

• Aviation Flight Operations Co-ordinator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Air Traffic Controller Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship

You may be able to get into a similar role through an armed forces apprenticeship:

• Royal Air Force
• Royal Navy

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

OtherRoutes

You can apply for a place as a trainee with National Air Traffic Services .

You'll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent qualifications, including English and maths.

You'll be expected to relocate to Fareham in Hampshire while training. Once you qualify, you could work anywhere in the UK.

Initial training takes up to 1 year and further training may continue while working.

You may also be considered for training if you have relevant aviation experience as a military air traffic controller, or military or commercial pilot.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Skills:

• concentration skills
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• excellent verbal communication skills
• complex problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• customer service skills
• persistence and determination
• thinking and reasoning skills
• analytical thinking skills
• active listening skills
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• knowledge of English language
• maths skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Air traffic controllers give information and advice to airline pilots to help them take off and land safely and on time.

Your tasks will vary depending on which type of controller you become. There are 3 types:

• area controllers - track and guide aircraft flying at higher altitudes through a sector and are based at a regional control centre
• approach controllers - manage aircraft as they approach the airport and issue instructions to planes that have just taken off
• aerodrome controllers - work in a control tower, giving clearance to land and take off, and guide pilots to the correct taxi positions on stands and runways

Typically in these roles you could:

• make sure safe distances are maintained between aircraft
• keep in radio contact with flight crew and give out instructions
• prevent collisions between planes and with other obstacles
• handle emergencies
• monitor data

Location : You could work in an airport control tower.

Salary:

Starter : £20,000
Experienced : £48,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

35 - 45 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into training and assessing new controllers, or become a supervisor or unit manager.

You could also move into operations management.