GR
Despite the fact that NATS pay better than anyone else in the UK, and their terms and conditions, pensions and working patterns are all better than anyone else in the UK, some of their atco's have an amazing ability to moan like **** about how badly done to they are. But it doesn't say that on the NATS web site, which is where you'll find the information you require.
Career structure's within ATC, certainly within the UK, are almost what you want to make of it.
Get a few years experience under your belt, keep your ear to the ground, do extraneous duties such as assisting with ATC related projects or just make it plain that you are ambitious, and you'll find that doors open and the opportunities will be there.
However, don't underestimate the level of workload required, or the fact that once you are on that ladder, there will always be someone behind you with the same ambition.
Some find it comes naturally - some don't and fall back to day to day controlling.
There are many of us (including me and possibly Bex'
) who just enjoy being atco's, doing the job to the best of our ability, getting paid and looking forward to our days off.
I reckon that if you have to work, this is the best job going, what you do with it is up to you.