Careers

Deputy Operations Supervisor

Air traffic control keeps aircraft moving safely through the sky, and this role helps lead that process. As a Deputy Operations Supervisor, you support teams, manage pressure and make sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. It’s fast-paced, highly responsible and all about teamwork.

Inside the Operations Room – Keeping Aircraft Moving Safely.

Read story

Key Skills needed

  • Staying calm under pressure
    even when things change fast.
  • Problem‑solving
    especially with complex or unexpected situations. If you like puzzles, you could be a good fit!
  • Strong communication
    controllers rely entirely on clear voice instructions.
  • Spatial awareness
    imagining the sky in 3D.
  • Teamwork
    you never work alone in the ops room.
  • Quick thinking and adaptability
    plans can change instantly.

Pathways into the career

  • Minimum requirement: five GCSEs, including maths and English – no A‑levels or degree needed.

  • Apply to NATS from age 18. Recruitment is competitive – most applicants try more than once.

  • Training begins with around 12 months at the NATS Air Traffic College in Whiteley.

  • Then you move to a unit for simulator and live training – typically 2–4 years to qualify.

  • Expect continuous learning – yearly checks, simulator assessments and licence renewals.

Organisations

Interested in this career? Discover opportunities to explore now.

NATS

NATS offers many opportunities for young people, from graduate programmes, to undergraduate placements and apprenticeships.

Go to website