Application process

Trainee Air Traffic Controllers represent the future of NATS. We invest significant time in training ATCOs to become responsible and competent controllers, working flexibly within the regulations to make decisions which maintain safety and ensure the efficient flow of air traffic. It does take time to acquire the level of skill and competence that is the mark of a qualified Air Traffic Controller. There will of course be ups and downs as you progress through professional training, but we will support you every step of the way.

Our recruitment and selection process is designed to ensure that we learn as much as possible about you in the limited time we have available. The assessments we use are all designed to help us make fair and accurate decisions about your suitability for training and a career in Air Traffic Control. The information in this section has been designed to help you to understand our selection process, and to provide tips and guidance that will enable you to demonstrate how you meet our requirements.

If you want to find out more about our application process, then click on each of the stages below.


 

If you’ve read through the rest of the site thoroughly and think you’d like to become an Air Traffic Controller (ATCO), here’s where to apply. Before you do, though, please read through this section with particular care as it offers useful tips and hints, tells you all about our medical requirements and outlines the application process.