Inspectors concluded that apprentices work to an “extremely high standard” and “achieve very well, regardless of their starting point or background”, with nearly all progressing to live training. The report also found that apprentices rapidly develop both their theoretical understanding and practical competency as training scenarios grow in complexity.
Launched in 2023, NATS’ employer-provided apprenticeship programme had 156 apprentices in training at its Whiteley college in Hampshire at the time of the inspection, all working towards a Level 5 air traffic control apprenticeship. The programme typically spans around one year of initial training, combining classroom learning with high-fidelity simulator exercises that replicate real-world operational scenarios, before apprentices progress into live operational environments.
Inspectors highlighted the breadth of the curriculum beyond core technical training. Apprentices gain first-hand experience in an A320 aircraft simulator, including take-off and landing, and hear directly from pilots, giving them a rounded understanding of the operational environment they will work in. Inspectors noted that apprentices are “rightly very proud” to work for NATS.
Tags: NATS