Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
•   Training and Teaching Others Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Working Life

Air traffic controllers are responsible for the efficient flow of air traffic ensuring that all planes are a safe distance apart. To enable them to do this they work with complex radar and computer systems. They make calculations, check flight paths and issue directions and instructions to pilots. They have to take into account weather variations, aircraft needing emergency help and other unexpected events.   
  
They may be controllers in constant contact with all pilots in a particular airspace.   

Some work as approach controllers. They take over contact with pilots who are coming in to land. Or an aerodrome controller who guides the aircraft to a parking stand once it has landed.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Inform pilots about nearby planes or potentially hasardous conditions, such as weather, speed and direction of wind, or visibility problems.
• Issue landing and take-off authorisations or instructions.
• Transfer control of departing flights to traffic control centers and accept control of arriving flights.
• Provide flight path changes or directions to emergency landing fields for pilots traveling in bad weather or in emergency situations.
• Alert airport emergency services in cases of emergency or when aircraft are experiencing difficulties.
• Monitor or direct the movement of aircraft within an assigned air space or on the ground at airports to minimise delays and maximise safety.
• Direct pilots to runways when space is available or direct them to maintain a traffic pattern until there is space for them to land.
• Monitor aircraft within a specific airspace, using radar, computer equipment, or visual references.
• Direct ground traffic, including taxiing aircraft, maintenance or baggage vehicles, or airport workers.
• Contact pilots by radio to provide meteorological, navigational, or other information.

Further Information

• Air Traffic Controller- from: N.C.S. [UK]
• Air Traffic Controller- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

AirNav Ireland provides air traffic management services including: Air Traffic Control Flight information Alerting and search and rescue services Aeronautical information North Atlantic Communications. They provide training and employment opportunities. 

What qualifications do I need to be considered for the Student Controller Programme?

You need a Leaving Certificate with 2 H5s. The educational standard required is a minimum of Level 5 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). An equivalent second level qualification may be acceptable but it must include Mathematically based subjects. The National Framework of Qualifications is the single structure mechanism for recognising all education and training in Ireland. Further details are available on www.qqi.ie    

How do I apply to become a student air traffic controller?

You must complete the online application form. AirNav Ireland     will review all applications received on a periodic basis, and based on the number of applications they will invite those applicants who meet the minimum requirements to begin the selection process.

Is there an age limit in becoming an air traffic controller?
Candidates should be aged 35 or under to apply (this is currently under review). You must be 21 years of age to be a licensed air traffic controller and because the training takes up to 2 years, an applicant should be at least 19 years of age when applying.

Where does AirNav Ireland air traffic control training take place?
Initial training takes place in AirNav Ireland's Training Centre at Ballycasey Cross, Shannon, Co. Clare. Students are then assigned to any of the three state airports (Dublin, Shannon or Cork) for practical training.

Practical Training
Students are assigned to Stations according to operational needs and skill levels, ensuring that all trainees have the best possible opportunity to successfully complete their training. Once established in an Air Traffic Control Officer role, individuals may apply for a transfer to another location, subject to availability.

Allowance is paid to the student while participating in the Student Controller Programme
With effect from 1st January 2026, our Student Controller Programme classes will receive a student allowance of €515 per week for the duration of training, until the commencement of On-the-Job Training (OJTI), at which point they are paid an allowance of €43,026 per annum (pro-rata).

AirNav Ireland does not pay any travel or incidental expenses during the recruitment process for the SCP.

Does AirNav Ireland does not provide living accommodation for the students training as air traffic controllers.

The selection process is outlined on the AirNav Ireland website.     

Can I apply for the student controller training if I already hold an ATCO student or full licence?
If you are already qualified as an ATCO or hold a student licence, you would not be eligible for our student controller training programme.

You would be eligible to apply for direct entry Air Traffic Controller positions which we advertise from time to time, key an eye on our website for more information - AirNav - Careers.

Can I re-apply for a training place if I have previously participated in a student controller training programme with AirNav Ireland but was unsuccessful in the course?
Unfortunately if you were unsuccessful in completing training previously with the Company you would not be eligible to reapply for a student place.

How many times can I apply for a training place with AirNav Ireland if I have been unsuccessful in previous applications?
You can apply for the selection process on two occasions if you are not successful in the selection process.

Where can I apply ?

AirNav     Ireland social media accounts on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. In addition, on occasion they advertise in the national media. Applications are accepted at any time, and all candidates who apply will be contacted when the selection process begins. Currently they run up to two selection processes per year.

Other Routes 

Outside of the civilian semi-state program, the only other valid route to qualify as an air traffic controller within Ireland is through the state's Defence forces.

Military Route: You can apply via the Irish Defence Forces Air Corps ATC Cadetship    , which serves as an alternative military officer training pathway to manage airfield operations and state airspace.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €43k - €100k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, shift pattern allowances, and role. 

Student Air Traffic Controller: 43,026 pro-rata (on-the-job training)

(€515 per week in the initial stages of training)

Qualified Air Traffic Controller: 60k-100k+.

Data Source(s):
IAA/ Salary expert/ Jobted/ Indeed/ Glassdoor/ Airnav

Last Updated: May, 2026

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Marine and waterways transport operatives, Air transport operatives, Rail transport operatives, Bus and coach drivers, Train and tram drivers, Van drivers, Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2025).

Following some fluctuations in the intervening years, employment in 2024 returned to 2019 levels (declining by 2,600 persons since 2023). Combined, van drivers and bus/coach drivers accounted for approximately three quarters of employment in this occupation with the remainder being train/tram drivers and air/rail/marine transport operatives. Over a third in this occupation were aged 55 years or older which will likely lead to increased replacement demand in the coming years.

Despite the fall in employment, there was a high volume of recent job hires indicating a high level of job churn. There was also a relatively large volume of vacancy posts on DSP Jobs Ireland for bus and coach drivers, driven by significant recruitment campaigns by Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus. In addition, there was a small number of employment permits issued for bus and coach drivers.

Issues with recruitment for this occupation relate to bus and coach drivers only; expansion of bus services nationwide is also fuelling increasing demand and although there has been significant recruitment of drivers recently, turnover and replacement are resulting in a continuation of shortages.

Skills shortage:

Bus and coach drivers

• Irish Aviation Authority

  • The Times Building, 11-12 D'Olier Street, Dublin 2
  • +353 1 603 1100
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Dublin Airport Authority

  • Head Office, Dublin Airport, Co Dublin
  • (01) 814 1111
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here