Many thanks for the replies.
Atco112,
I have almost discounted seeking employment with NATS due to the associated upheaval which will be caused to my family. In leaving the Service, I hope to enjoy a period of relative stability with my family without having to endure frequent moves, long separations and weekend commuting for years on end. As far as I can see, the NATS route would entail up to 18 months commuting to and from the College with no certainty as to where I will eventually end up working.
Thanks for the steer on VT. I am aware that bonds are not legally enforceable but am used to giving and keeping my word; anyway, I would imagine that word would soon spread if an individual reneged on an agreement with an employer!
Number 2,
Thanks for the steer on SERCO; yes, I had heard.
Wee Jock McPlop,
When I first began considering a career morph, I decided that the best way forward was to start at the beginning again and undertake the full process via the College; indeed, I was looking forward becoming an ab-initio again! However, I would prefer to self-fund in order to minimize both the training time and family disruption. As for bonding, I was after more info about the actual mechanics of such agreements themselves; how long do typical bonding agreements last for? What if any other tie-ins are there etc.