mts1 is pretty much right and
Svix I am in the same position as you in terms of recent graduation from University, however I was waiting for further stage 1 dates (as they fell either during my dissertation deadline or final year exams).
I must stress my opinions should not be taken for granted but I have spoke to various people about their situation.
A) Friend of mine who I went to primary school with has just finished at the college and was posted to Prestwick, but, he now has to wait a whole year before he can start training there because of an issue with EFD at Prestwick.
B) From one inside source (I will not state who), this person was very confident and hopeful that they were reopening around September time as they felt it would be clear by then.
C) Speaking to another friend who speaks to a few of the instructors at NATS, they feel that the backlog is not clearing at a fast rate or even the rate they expected and they feel that the 'February' review will simply state another review in 'x' months.
So from all of this it seems reasonable to say, the review in February will consist of another statement saying it will take even longer. I have been looking for jobs within the aviation industry ever since I graduated in July. I had an interview with Swissport at Manchester Airport on Tuesday for the position as Aircraft Dispatcher. They had narrowed it down to 22 applicants for 3 full-time positions. The ideal person they wanted was someone new who was very keen to learn the Swissport way. Unfortunately I wasn't successful as I feel they chose those with experience, I was told my interview went very well and I had all the required skills. It is difficult for me as a graduate to find a stepping stone into the industry as (obviously) I have no experience yet.
I can see this NATS issue going on for quite some time, probably not going to be resolved until Summer I reckon at the earliest.
Don't mind any criticisms over my findings but this is just how I feel the current situation is.
