The job

Air Traffic Control Officers ensure that all our aircraft depart and arrive safely, and air bases are fully maintained and prepared for emergencies. They also liaise with civilian air authorities to ensure safe travel for any aircraft using their airspace. It’s a position of huge responsibility.

Air Traffic Control Officers work in a high-pressure environment where safety is paramount. You’ll learn how to manage people and use some of the world’s most modern radar and communications equipment. By your early twenties you could be an Air Traffic Control Supervisor, a local Examining Officer, or even an instructor at the Central Air Traffic Control School. As you develop your management skills, you’ll move on to face new challenges and promotion opportunities – both in the UK and overseas.

Sponsorship

We may be able to invest in your future by funding your studies until you’re ready to start training as an Air Traffic Control Officer.

If you’re in the Sixth Form, you can qualify for a Sixth Form Scholarship of up to £1,000. You can also apply for a University Air Squadron Bursary, worth up to £6,000, while you study for your degree. In return, we ask you to become a member of the University Air Squadron (UAS) (or Air Training Corps while you’re at school) and to join the RAF once you finish your studies.

As well as financial support, UAS is an opportunity to get first-hand experience of the challenges you’ll face working with our people, technology and aircraft – and we’ll also give you some free flying experience.

To find out more about sponsorship, contact an RAF Senior Careers Liaison Officer via the careers staff at your school or college – or visit your local Armed Forces Careers Office.

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