It seems NATS are delaying you guys for quite a while...
Alternatively, HIAL in Scotland were running a trainee ab-initio ATCO programme for Stornoway Airport in Scotland, with training due to start mid-April this year for around 10 new ATCOs.
Not sure if this is still open for applications, check it out.
You'd be trained on ADI (aerodrome) and APP (approach procedural), only downside is being up in Highlands
