Jack.... they "work with ATCOs" just like the airport police, fire services, airlines, etc., but at some airfields (Heathrow, for example) there is virtually no direct contact between the two.
If you are interested in ATC as a career I would strongly urge you to get in as early as possible. In my mind you would be wasting valuable time in trying for a job in apron control first as it will not help you too much.
I do not believe having a "combined honours" (whatever that is) will especially help you in ATC; others might have different views. The basic qualifications are laid down and that's what you need. I trained ATCOs on and off for 30 years and just as many graduates fail as do the basically qualified. Equally, basic qualified people pass just as easily as graduates..
Good luck with whatever you do.. If you want to ask me any questions by all means email me at
[email protected]