5 September 2023
A complete change of life and a wonderful chance to start a career in aviation, that’s on offer in Scotland’s beautiful Outer Hebrides islands.
Highlands and Islands Airport Limited (HIAL), which operates Benbecula Airport airport, is looking for a trainee air traffic controller – no previous experience required.
HIAL is putting the emphasis firmly on personal attributes, including strong visual-motor coordination and memory skills, capacity to multi-task, excellent communication skills and remaining calm under pressure. The successful candidate must also be at least 18 years old and pass strict medical criteria, set out by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
The position offers a starting training salary of £27,943 up to £41,298, increasing to £46,281 to £56,700 once fully qualified.
There’s a sponsored training package which includes generous annual leave, company pension and an employee assistance programme to help the successful candidate and their family to relocate.
Benbecula Airport
The small island of Benbecula is part of the Western Isles and linked by causeways to its neighbouring islands of North and South Uist. It’s home to just over 1,200 people and famed for stunning white sandy beaches and dunes. The island’s moorland and lochs are teeming with wildlife, including birds of prey such hen harriers, short-eared owls and merlins.
Michaela Macinnes, air traffic controller, in the tower at Benbecula Airport. Photos: HiJobs
Jamie Beatson, an air traffic controller who trained and now works at HIAL’s Dundee Airport said, “The good thing about the job is that no two days are the same. We can go from one moment shuttling a few light aircraft round the vicinity to suddenly having a rush of jet traffic. You’re kept on your toes every day.”
