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Careers 

What’s Coming Up in Careers at Boorowa Central

HSC Key Dates

  • Personalised written exam timetable released: 1 May 2026
  • HSC written exams start: Tuesday 13 October 2026
  • HSC written exams finish (no later than): Thursday 5 November 2026
  • HSC results released: Wednesday 16 December 2026

UAC Key Dates

  • UAC applications are now open
  • Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) applications close: 5 September 2026
  • Early bird application fee deadline: 30 September 2026
  • Educational Access Scheme (EAS) applications close (for December Round 2): 19 November 2026
  • ATARs released: 16 December 2026
  • December Round 2 offers released: 23 December 2026

Career Spotlight: 

Career Spotlight: Air Traffic Controller

Have you ever wondered who keeps aircraft safely separated while thousands of flights move through Australian airspace? Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) manage aircraft movements on the ground and in the air, making quick, accurate decisions to keep passengers, pilots and aircraft safe.

For students interested in aviation, there are two main pathways in Australia: becoming a civilian Air Traffic Controller through Airservices Australia or joining the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as an Air Force Air Traffic Controller.

What Does an Air Traffic Controller Do?

Air Traffic Controllers communicate directly with pilots and monitor aircraft using sophisticated radar, communication and navigation systems. Depending on their role, they may:

  • Direct aircraft during take-off and landing
  • Manage aircraft movements around airports
  • Keep aircraft safely separated while in flight
  • Provide pilots with instructions and important information
  • Respond to changing weather, emergencies and unexpected situations
  • Coordinate with other controllers, airports and aviation services

Controllers may work in an airport control tower or in larger air traffic control centres managing aircraft travelling across Australia.

The job requires excellent concentration, communication and spatial awareness. Controllers need to be able to process large amounts of information, multitask and make accurate decisions under pressure. Because aviation operates around the clock, controllers also need to be prepared for shift work.

Pathway 1: Civilian Air Traffic Controller

Australia's civilian air traffic controllers are employed by Airservices Australia.

One of the great things about this pathway is that you do not need an aviation degree or previous air traffic control experience to apply for the trainee program. Airservices provides the specialist training required.

What Do You Need?

For the trainee pathway, applicants need to have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification, or hold a Diploma or higher qualification. Applicants must also meet residency requirements and be old enough to meet the program's age requirements.

Students interested in this pathway should work on developing strong skills in:

  • Mathematics and numerical reasoning
  • English and communication
  • Spatial awareness
  • Problem solving
  • Concentration and attention to detail
  • Working under pressure

The Selection Process

Becoming an Air Traffic Controller is competitive. Applicants progress through a detailed selection process that can include:

  1. Online application
  2. Online ability testing, including verbal reasoning, numerical calculations, pattern recognition, checking information and spatial awareness
  3. Assessment Centre, involving further cognitive, technical, behavioural and group assessments
  4. Reference checks
  5. Medical and security clearances
  6. An offer to begin Air Traffic Control training.

Training

Successful applicants become paid Airservices employees while completing their training. Training is conducted face-to-face at Airservices' facilities in Melbourne and combines classroom learning with practical training using air traffic control simulators.

The initial training program is approximately 12 months, although training time can vary. Trainees work towards a nationally recognised Diploma of Aviation (Air Traffic Control) before progressing to further on-the-job training.

Depending on their stream, controllers may eventually work at one of Australia's airport control towers or at major air traffic control centres in Melbourne or Brisbane. Tower trainees need to be prepared to relocate, as postings can be at airports around Australia.

As of August 2026, Airservices is accepting Expressions of Interest for future Air Traffic Control Trainee opportunities, making this a career worth investigating early.

Pathway 2: Air Traffic Controller with the ADF

Students can also pursue air traffic control through the Royal Australian Air Force.

An Air Force Air Traffic Controller performs many of the same functions as a civilian controller but works within a military aviation environment. This can add another dimension to the job, including supporting military aircraft, exercises and operational environments.

The current Air Force Air Traffic Controller role is an Officer Aviation career and offers two main entry methods:

Officer Entry

Students can complete the required university study and enter the Air Force as an officer. Applicants undertake the ADF recruitment and officer selection process before completing military and specialist aviation training.

ADFA Entry

Students can also apply through the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). This pathway allows students to:

  • Complete a university degree through UNSW Canberra
  • Receive military and leadership training
  • Be paid while studying
  • Progress into specialist Air Force training after completing their degree and initial military training.

For ADFA, students need to apply to both the ADF and UNSW, so planning during Year 11 and Year 12 is important.

ADF applicants also undertake a comprehensive recruitment process that includes an application, aptitude assessment and role-specific selection requirements, as well as meeting Defence medical, fitness, security and eligibility standards.

Explore the Air Traffic Controller role with ADF Careers

Could Air Traffic Control Suit You?

This career may suit students who:

  • Enjoy Maths, technology and problem solving
  • Can remain calm when things become busy
  • Are confident communicators
  • Have excellent concentration and attention to detail
  • Can visualise objects moving through three-dimensional space
  • Enjoy taking responsibility and making decisions
  • Can quickly process new information
  • Like aviation but don't necessarily want to become a pilot

Air Traffic Control is an unusual career because the civilian pathway doesn't require students to spend years completing a university degree before beginning specialist training. Alternatively, the ADF pathway provides the opportunity to combine university study, military service, leadership and aviation.

For students fascinated by aircraft and looking for a challenging career where their decisions genuinely matter, Air Traffic Control is definitely a pathway worth exploring.