Aircraft Control Position Operators (ACPOs) play a critical role in training our Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs). They support the delivery of realistic simulations to help Controllers practise and develop essential knowledge and skills. This could be for our trainee controllers who are developing new skills or for our more experienced controllers that may be doing refresher training, critical incident training or new airspace training.

The ACPO role typically involves the following:

• Supporting the correct set up and configuration of the simulator system
• Supporting scenario creation, preparation and testing
• Acting as aircraft pilots, interacting clearly and realistically, listening, implementing, and reading back the Air Traffic Controllers' commands via a simulated communication link and inputting instruction messages into the training system
• Carrying out training and simulation support admin duties as required
• Working as part of a team to ensure training and simulation activities run smoothly

It's an exciting time to join NATS as an ACPO, as the organisation focuses on delivering one of the biggest training and transformation programmes in its history. Joining as an ACPO provides a brilliant platform to establish yourself in NATS and develop your career.  Get more insight to life as an ACPO by reading Michael's and Lauren's stories below.