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Air traffic controller apprenticeships

Transport

Air traffic controller apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • an apprenticeship
  • a trainee scheme

    • Apprenticeship
    You could do an air traffic controller higher apprenticeship. You may be able to get into a similar role through an armed forces apprenticeship. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A Levels, or equivalent, for a higher apprenticeship.

     

    Other Routes
    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. Senior air traffic controllers' salaries can rise to over £100,000 at larger airports.


    Air traffic controller apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • concentration skills 
    • knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • thinking and reasoning skills 
    • complex problem-solving skills 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • the ability to use your judgement and make decisions 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to:

    • pass security checks
    • pass a medical check 
    • be over 18 years of age 
    • be eligible to work in the UK
    • be prepared to work anywhere in the UK

    Air traffic controller apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    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
    Working environment
    You could work in an airport control tower.

    Career path and progression - Air traffic controller apprenticeships

    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.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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