AirNav Ireland Student Controller Programme

The AirNav Ireland Student Controller Programme trains you to become a licensed Air Traffic Controller (ATC) responsible for the safe and efficient movement of aircraft in Irish and North Atlantic airspace. Over two years, you rotate through classroom instruction, advanced simulator sessions, and supervised live operations at Dublin, Shannon, or Cork facilities. You study radar techniques, flight data management, meteorology, aviation law, and human performance factors. A typical week blends theory lessons in the morning with simulator exercises in the afternoon, progressing gradually to supervised live traffic handling. There is no Erasmus component, but the EASA licence is recognised across EU member states, opening international career possibilities.

Entry is through direct application to AirNav Ireland rather than the CAO; you must be at least 19 years of age at the time of selection. A Leaving Certificate is required, and strong results in Maths, English, and Physics at Higher or Ordinary level are advantageous, as aptitude in numeracy and spatial reasoning is tested rigorously. All applicants must pass a structured aptitude assessment battery, a medical examination to EASA Class 3 standard, and a formal English-language proficiency test. There are no QQI/FET progression routes into this programme; selection is entirely competency-based. Mature applicants who meet the age and qualification criteria are welcome to apply. The programme is a paid apprenticeship-style traineeship, so no CAO points are involved.

Demand for qualified Air Traffic Controllers in Ireland remains strong, driven by sustained growth in transatlantic and European air traffic through Irish-managed airspace. AirNav Ireland recruits in cohorts every few years, and successful programme graduates are almost always retained in permanent, pensionable public-sector positions. Salaries are competitive, with newly licensed controllers earning in the region of €50,000–€65,000 gross per annum, rising significantly with experience and endorsements. Workforce planning forecasts ongoing retirements over the next decade, making long-term job security particularly good.