@DelayReducer I understand that you have no say in where you are appointed, I think I came across wrong, I mean that in the end I'd love to work at MAN, likelihood of being sent there straight away is pretty much zero.
NATS replied this morning saying that even though all test dates for Stage 1 are booked up to June, I should check incase someone cancels their appointment. This doesn't confirm that new stage dates will be set for July onwards
If this is the case I am likely to think about going through a private company or any other suitable career method.