July 30, 2025
Think you're good under pressure? Love the idea of a career that’s anything but ordinary? If you’re someone who thrives on challenges, wants real responsibility, and isn’t afraid to step out of your comfort zone, a career in air traffic services might just be calling your name.
But before you picture yourself commanding the skies with a headset and radar screen, it’s time for a serious reality check. Becoming an air traffic controller or flight service specialist isn’t like applying for just any job—it takes focus, flexibility, and a whole lot of commitment.
Training is intense and the level of responsibility is high. And yes—you may be offered a role away from home. But for those who are up for it? It’s a front-row seat to the heartbeat of aviation, and one of the most rewarding careers out there.
So, do you have what it takes? Let’s break it down.
If your dream job must be in your hometown, this might not be the career for you. However, we do have over 100 sites across the country and over time there could be opportunities to relocate home, closer to home or to your dream location.
Both air traffic controllers and flight service specialists are hired to work at specific operational sites across the country, and hiring is based on staffing needs—not location preference. That means you might be offered a role in a city or town you’ve never visited, and yes, it could be far from home.
Classroom and simulator training is held in Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, Moncton, Gander, Kamloops, London, and Quebec City. Following that, on-the-job training is provided at the site where the student will be based, once their initial training is complete. If you receive a job offer, your work location will be where staff are needed—not necessarily where you’d like to live.
This career calls for flexibility and a true readiness to pursue opportunity wherever it arises. Following an employee’s first placement, there are opportunities to relocate later in your career.
“It was my dream to work in the north after completing my training, but I was a bit nervous working in a new community," explains Émile Sabourin, a Flight Service Specialist at NAV CANADA. “When I first started, the team was warm and welcoming, so it made me feel like this is where I belong.”
Training to become an air traffic controller or flight service specialist is intensive and performance-driven. You’ll receive constant feedback from instructors, and you’ll be expected to make real-time improvements based on that input.
If you dislike being corrected and find it challenging to welcome constructive feedback, this might not be the right fit. But if you can listen carefully, reflect honestly, and adjust under pressure, you’ll be right at home.
“The training to become an air traffic controller is definitely intense,“ says Nakida Azevedo, an Air Traffic Controller at NAV CANADA. “At times, you’re training at a higher capacity than what you’re actually working every day with real traffic, which is what you need to do so that when you do get your license you feel more comfortable.”
To support those in training, students are paired with experienced air traffic controllers and flight service specialists. This provides an opportunity for support and mentoring during intense periods.
No two days in air traffic services are ever the same. You’ll be dealing with evolving weather, changing traffic volumes, technical constraints, and at times, unexpected emergencies.
You need to stay calm under pressure. That means managing stress, bouncing back from mistakes, and staying focused even when things get intense. Mental toughness is just as important as technical skill. To help students and employees maintain their resilience, NAV CANADA offers a wide range of support tools and services. From peer support and professional coaching, to a robust benefits plan, pension, and financial support, the company is committed to helping you succeed.
Air traffic services rely on clear, concise, and confident communication. Whether you're talking to pilots, fellow team members, or airport staff, your ability to relay information quickly and clearly could directly impact flight safety.
This isn't just about having a good phone voice—it’s about delivering critical messages, sometimes in split seconds, with zero room for confusion.
Yes, air traffic controllers and flight service specialists often work independently at a console—but they’re never truly working alone. These jobs are deeply collaborative. You’ll be coordinating with other controllers, flight service specialists, pilots, technologists, and supervisors, all to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Teamwork isn’t just a bonus; it’s a requirement.
This is not your average 9–5. To succeed, you’ll need to bring strong internal motivation and a relentless work ethic—especially during training. You’ll be expected to study in the evenings, prepare for assessments, and continuously improve your skills.
Trying to hold down another job during your training is not recommended. Experience has taught us that those who are not fully committed quickly fall behind. However, unlike traditional university or college programs, we pay you to learn. Students receive a salary as soon as they begin their training.
Whether you're training to become an air traffic controller or a flight service specialist, you’re looking at a full-time, months-long commitment. The workload is heavy, the pace is fast, and the standards are high. Training days are often long, and you’ll need to spend your evenings and weekends reviewing material and preparing for the next day.
You’ll also need to meet medical standards. All candidates must pass a medical exam to ensure they’re fit to safely perform the duties of the job.
And here’s the hard truth: not everyone who starts the training program will reach the end. The standards are very high because the job itself demands excellence.
Absolutely. Those who make it through training and into operational roles often describe it as the most rewarding career they could imagine. The work is meaningful, challenging, and deeply respected. You’ll play a key role in keeping Canada’s skies safe and efficient. You’ll have a front-row seat to the incredible complexity of aviation operations—and you’ll be part of the team that makes it all run smoothly. And when your shift ends, you take off the headset and leave work at work—giving you the time and headspace to fully enjoy life outside the job.
“We recognize that successfully navigating air traffic services training requires more than just technical ability—it takes intense focus, resilience, and the right mindset,” says Dan Wortman, Director of Air Traffic Services Learning Delivery at NAV CANADA. “Students at NAV CANADA have a comprehensive support system that includes dedicated instructors, learning specialists, performance coaches, peer support, and wellness programs. We’re fully invested in helping every student perform at their full potential.”
If you're nodding your head, thinking “yes, that sounds like me,” then you might just be cut out for a career in air traffic services.
✔ You're ready to move for the job
✔ You take feedback seriously
✔ You thrive under pressure
✔ You’re a confident communicator
✔ You work well with others
✔ You’re highly motivated and willing to put in the time
If this sounds like your kind of challenge, head over to NAV CANADA’s careers site to learn more about how to apply.