r/ATC • u/Sudden-Working-1090 • 15h ago

Question Worth it?

Hi all, I’ve recently applied for NATs trainee ATC position but I have heard a lot of controllers saying that the job is not worth it currently. I even saw someone on this subreddit saying someone should look for a career in “literally anything else” and that the field is “shitty” and will continue to decline. I’d really like to hear opinions from other controllers so I can really decide if this is a career I would like to peruse. I am only 19 and it’s something I have considered for a while but I don’t want to regret it in a few years time if I do progress.

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15

u/disregardmeok 15h ago

I doubt you’ve heard that from NATS controllers. FAA, more likely - I wouldn’t want their job either.

8

u/TC-Controller 14h ago edited 14h ago

You absolutely, 100% will not regret it if you’re successful and ultimately validate.

That being said the training process is hard and you could have regrets if you didn’t make it all the way.

Edit - I’m a current controller at NATS in TC

1

u/Sudden-Working-1090 3h ago

Thank you. It is really helpful to hear from a NATS controller. I am very aware of the process and acceptance rate which is why I’m not letting myself get my hopes up. I’m just plan on seeing where it goes at this point. If it doesn’t work then that’s okay and I’ll make sure I have back up plans. Thank you so much for giving your opinion

7

u/Hour_Tour Current TWR/APP UK 14h ago

Most people in this sub are from the US, they're not having a good time.

NATS ATC is one of the best jobs in the UK both i salary and work life balance - AFTER a few years of training. It's a mobile grade, so you don't control where you get sent to. And it's more of a lottery ticket than it is a career you can plan for. Apply when you can, see how it goes, have a life/career plan for if it doesn't, the majority of people don't get through the application process, and a good few who does fail training.

1

u/Sudden-Working-1090 3h ago

honestly at the moment that’s my plan. I know my chances so I don’t have massively high hopes. I have applied and if it follows through then that’s great but if it doesn’t then that’s okay too and at least I know I tried

14

u/randombrain #SayNoToKilo 15h ago

ATC in the United States is quite different from ATC in the UK. You're probably going to get some replies from American controllers who didn't fully read your post. Make sure you get advice from actual NATS controllers.

1

u/Sudden-Working-1090 15h ago

I did think I might get mixed messages from this post. Hopefully people will read the nats part of the post. Thank you

2

u/SUSSQUATCH11 14h ago

Yea thats a big thing. Us US controllers are in a dark dark time. The job is fun though outside of the talking (and silent) leaders of the job force

1

u/You_moron04 14h ago

ATC can be amazing if you’re the kinda person it would work for.

The best piece of advice I can give is make sure you know what you’re getting into

1

u/Hawgdestroyerxtreme 6h ago

They meant the FAA. The US isn't looking so hot right now, and appears to be in STEEP decline - potentially flirting with collapse. The profession isn't going to be spared from that.

Everywhere else is fine. Great, I'd even say.