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

You'll usually need:

• 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

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.

You'll need:

• 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 have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

You'll need to:

• pass security checks
• pass a medical check
• be over 18 years of age

You should be eligible to work in the UK.

You must be prepared to work anywhere in the UK.

Your tasks will vary depending on which type of air traffic controller you are. 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

You could work in an airport control tower.