When was the last Stage 3? I'm amazed that the last one was before last summer, yet they are only starting training this year.
I have to imagine that they set the wheels in motion recently in an attempt to bring a new cohort of trainees in. NATS brought in a new Talent Acquisition Specialist, I believe it was Claire - who was overseeing the Stage 2 days. They also recently reposted the ATC advert on their Facebook page, seems like a lot of effort to go to in order to just pool people.
I know I am biased in as far as I'm trying to maintain a positive outlook for the near future, but that would be how I see how NATS have moved recently.