1) - The opportunity to move to part time working exists within NATS
2) ATCOS at Swanwick (TC and AC) work a 10 day cycle - 2 mornings(m), 2 afternoons(a), 2 nights(n), 4 days off(o).
Only about 15% are needed on night shifts so the others will 'spin' the last 2 days either a morning or afternoon spin giving a cycle of: 2m/2a/2a/4o or 2m/2a/1o/2m/3o. By the time you have done this shift cycle, you need the days off - especially in the summer. This type of cycle is acknowledged as not being very good for ones long term health because of the way it mucks up the body clock. Fairly good overtime opportunity in summer (especially AC), but there are many rules governing amount of hours rest required between differnet types of shift.
3) Stick your nose up someones backside is one method which unfortunately still works. Otherwise be good at interviews. Some people have even got it on merit (I've heard rumoured)
. NATS does have a job shadowing facility (usually one day 'in the life of') which comes up now and again