NATS don't actually look specifically for ATCAs anymore
Yes we do. We do try and fill vacancies internally first, but if there is nobody available, then the advert will go external. We also recruit ATSA staff for our simulators...
However, NATS do still allocate controllers to be ATCAs from the training courses
Those who fail their ATCO course MAY get offered an available ATSA job.. we don't "allocate ATCOs to be ATSAs", why would we?
Best thing to do would just be apply for NATS - after all, the requirements are generally the same to be either an assistant -or- a full controller.
No they aren't! ATSAS generally need a minimal number of GCSEs, ATCOs need to have followed a course of study to A level standard.
If you want to be an ATSA, apply for ATSA, don't apply for a totally different job!!!