FAQs

Air Traffic Control
Is being a controller a stressful occupation?

If you have the right skills and competencies for this role, you won't find it stressful. It can be pressurised at times but this will be mitigated by the structure of your working day. Rest periods are factored in to ensure plenty of downtime and you can leave the job behind at the end of the shift. There is no in-tray to take home! In fact, the incidence of stress-related illness in ATC is lower than many other occupations.

As technology increases, will ATCOs become redundant?

Certainly for the foreseeable future there will be a need for a human interface between the computers and the aircraft. Technology and the creation of new tools and systems for controllers will make their jobs easier, rather than getting rid of them altogether.

Will new systems diminish the role of ATCOs?

The use of new systems will increase the capacity of the airspace in the United Kingdom. The requirement for skilled Controllers remains the same.

What is going on at a European level and what does it mean for NATS?

European skies are incredibly fragmented, with many providers for such a relatively small geographic area. A European initiative called Single European Sky aims to reduce this number. Increasingly, countries are talking about mergers and collaborations in ATC systems and air space design. It is an exciting time and it represents an enormous opportunity for NATS.

Will I be an Airport or Area Controller?

Every student will be first assigned to the basic course for approximately two months when they begin their training. The college will ask for your preference of course. However, due to business requirements you may be allocated to train on a discipline you did not request.

Will I get to pick where I work?

This will be up for discussion towards the end of your college training. Realistically though, we have to send controllers to our units where the demand is highest. Your choice of posting will therefore ultimately be decided by NATS.

Selection
When will I hear the results of my aptitude tests?

The outcome will be issued within 15 working days of the end of the test session. If you meet the required standard you will be invited to assessment stage two of the process to undertake some computer tests. If successful at these, you will be invited to the assessment stage three which consists of a group exercise and an interview. If you are not selected, please do not be too disheartened; the selection process is extremely rigorous. Due to the very high cost of training, we have to be as sure as we can about our selection decisions.

If I am not selected can I apply again?

Yes, subject to a maximum of three attempts at the selection process. A 12 month gap must be left between the initial tests at assessment day one and your next application.

What are the interviewers looking for?

The competency areas the interviewers will be looking at are ATC Motivation, Conscientiousness and Rule adherence, Decisiveness and Confidence, Emotional Stability, Error Awareness, Openness to Learning and Development, Planning, Decision Making and Problem Solving, and Team Working. Click here to see our section on hints and tips to help you prepare for our selection process.

How long before I know the results of my interview?

The outcome will be issued within 15 working days of the interview.

When would I be likely to start my training?

We are looking to recruit people for courses starting January/February, April/May, July/August and October/November each year. Candidates who are aged 18 have to be 21 in order to hold a radar license. Whilst we will of course let you go through selection, if you are successful you will be allocated to an Area course which will ensure you are the correct age on graduation as the training takes longer.

Training
How long is the training course?

The college course lasts approximately 11 months for Area Students, six months for Aerodrome students and nine months for Aerodrome/Approach students. This is not the end of the training and there is a period of validation training at the posted operational unit. The validation period is dependent on the unit and how you progress.

Is all the training conducted at Whiteley?

All the college training is Whiteley based - there may be occasional visits to units and short external courses offsite.

How is the split between Approach and Area achieved?

The number of trainees recruited is determined by NATS' business needs. You must be prepared to go where there is a business need.

Will the single discipline training limit my promotion prospects?

Obviously there will be some restrictions. For example, an Airport Controller would probably not be eligible for posts in an Area unit and vice versa, but there will undoubtedly be promotion opportunities in both disciplines.

Will there be a chance of Cross Training at a later date?

ATCO training is very expensive so when you are trained and competent in one discipline, there is a strong likelihood that you will remain working in that discipline throughout your career as a controller. If, in exceptional circumstances, someone is selected to move from an Aerodrome to Area unit or the other way round, then all the necessary cross training will be given.

What happens if I fail an assessment?

Your progress through training is assessed continually by means of theoretical exams, practical assessments and oral tests. Successful completion of these assessments will be required for continuation of training. The course of action following failure of an assessment is determined on a case-by-case basis taking account of all relevant factors including regulatory requirements and it could result in training being terminated.

How much work out of the College hours does the course involve?

Many students are surprised by the volume of work required both at the college and in the evening. There is a considerable amount of legislation that must be learnt. It is unlikely you will be successful at the course unless you are prepared to commit at least two to three hours per night, plus some time at the weekend. This is particularly true in the earlier courses where there is a higher theoretical content.

What is the success rate at the College?

The College is currently achieving an overall success rate of about 66%*. However we are continually reviewing the selection system and training courses to improve the training success rates.

*2009/10 rates.

Do I have a chance to say where I will be posted?

Obviously as you come towards the end of your college course you will be asked where you would prefer to be posted. While we always try to take personal circumstances into account, our operational needs must come first. Therefore, you must be prepared to work anywhere in the UK.

Terms and conditions
What are the salary and salary prospects?

When you join us as a Trainee, you'll get a basic salary of £10,834.11*, along with an attractive benefits package including a contributory pension scheme, generous annual leave, a variety of voluntary benefits and family friendly policies.

In addition, Trainees also get a weekly accommodation payment of £60* which is paid monthly in arrears during college-based training over a maximum payment period of 18 months. These payments will stop once you are posted to a unit. You'll also be eligible for a further £1,000* on successful completion of college-based training to cover travel and other expenses. After completion of the college training phase, you'll receive a salary of between £15,450* and £18,540* depending on which unit you are posted at.

Once valid at a unit, your salary will rise to £29,443* - £32,814*, again depending on the unit. When you become an ATCO - on your third joining anniversary, subject to validation - your salary will rise to £42,061* - £46,878* plus shift pay of £5,543*. After qualifying, you could potentially earn over £91,000* (inclusive of shift pay) at Swanwick and Heathrow.


Outer London Weighting is also payable at Heathrow.

*2009/10 rates.

What are the annual holidays?

Your holiday allowance will be 28 days per year plus public holidays which is programmed into the training course. Requests for holidays outside of these dates will not be approved. On graduation from the College, the initial annual leave entitlement is 28 days plus the usual public holidays. As a qualified ATCO, requests for annual leave are considered on an individual basis against the watch manning requirements. Your annual leave entitlement will increase with service to a maximum of 33 days after 10 years as well as public holidays.

Is accommodation provided at the College?

No, prior to the start of the course, we will give you access to an online list of accommodation. Students are strongly advised not to locate themselves long distances away from the college. Evidence has shown that excessive commuting, and the fact that the student has not been available for group study activities after college hours, has caused some past student failures.

Will I be on a standard NATS contract whilst at the College?

No. The initial contract is a trainee contract which can be terminated in the event of failure to meet training standards. It should be noted that building societies and banks won't normally grant loans (e.g. mortgages) against this contract. Also, insurance policies that indemnify against job loss with respect to loans will not pay out if contract termination is due to assessment failure.

Does the company provide maternity leave?

Yes, we have very good maternity provisions - better than those required by statute. They include 18 weeks' full paid maternity leave followed by eight weeks half pay plus statutory pay, and then a balance of unpaid leave up to 26 weeks from the end of the paid period. In view of the training costs, we want to encourage as many people as possible to return to work. NATS also offers paternity leave.

Career prospects
Are there opportunities for career advancement?

Yes, although it should be pointed out that, in the main, we are recruiting operational controllers and some 80% will remain operational throughout their career. However, opportunities do exist for those who are keen to move onto other areas within NATS. You could, for example, become a Group Supervisor, or even a manager, of a watch or a unit. We are committed to developing our staff, so a range of development options are available to those who wish to progress along these lines.

Shifts
Does the job include shift work, and what are the shift patterns?

Air Traffic Control (ATC) is a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation, so you must therefore be prepared to work shifts. A typical shift pattern covering a 40-hour working week, including breaks, has a mixture of night, weekend, early morning and late afternoon shifts. About 80% of ATCOs work shifts, many throughout their whole career.

Employment location
What location will I work in?

As you come towards the end of your college course you will be asked where you would prefer to be posted. While we always try to take personal preferences into account, our operational needs must come first. Therefore, as the role of an Air Traffic Controller is a mobile grade you must be prepared to work anywhere in the UK.