Air Traffic Controller
Guide aircraft safely through airspace and airports.
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- Typical pay
- €45k–€95k
- Usual education
- Specialist training academy
- Outlook
- Limited intakes but very well paid and secure.
A day in the life
Monitoring radar, sequencing arrivals, coordinating with pilots and other centres, strict shift rotations.
Ways in
- National ATC academy
- Aptitude selection at 18+
What to study at 16
The subjects you choose for the final years of secondary school can shape which degrees, exams and careers are easiest to reach. This is about choosing courses, not choosing a school.
Spain
Bachillerato de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales
France
Bac professionnel
Poland
Technikum
Sweden
Yrkesprogram
Austria
HLW – Business and services college
Belgium
BSO – Vocational secondary
Skills that matter
Best courses to take
The study routes that lead most directly into this career.
BSc Aviation Management
Airline, airport and air transport operations and economics.
Not required, but helpful background before ATC selection.
Helpful school subjects: Air transport economics, Operations, Safety, Regulation
Places that hire for this
Accor
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
ANA Aeroportos de Portugal
Ramp and terminal operations traineeships at Lisbon, Oporto and Faro.
Booking.com
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
eDreams ODIGEO
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Iberia
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Lufthansa Group
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Marriott International
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
Meliá Hotels International
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
MSC Cruises
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.
NH Hotel Group
Recruits for this role through internships, apprenticeships and graduate entry routes.