View Full Version : Trainee ATCO pay structure
garthy
26th Nov 2003, 18:39
If and when the next round of recruitment begins, I hope to be able to have this question answered then, but maybe someone can answer it before then.
Why do trainees get £100 a week living allowance on top of a salary, why don't NATS just make it a part of the salary? Is there some kind a qualification for it?
Has anyone heard any more news about testing days. I notice the on-line application form has changed again, so I hope mine was submitted (did get the confirmation email)
Good luck to all the patient people out there
VectorLine
27th Nov 2003, 01:53
Why ask? You get it and that's that. Don't complain!
You won't get it when you are a trainee at a unit, but you will get shift allowance which is a good bit less (you'd think it would be the same??) although your salary will be more.
As far as I remember there is no qualification apart from having to claim for it with valid receipts.
My understanding is that it is not part of salary so that you are not taxed on it, nor liable for NI contributions on it and NATS don't pay employer contribution s on it.
Winners all round!
garthy
27th Nov 2003, 04:02
Believe me, I'm not complaining about the deal, just curious as to it's structure.
Its a fantastic deal, and if the tax free status etc is correct then what an even bigger bonus. :ok:
I have no complaints what so ever about the salary structure of the ATCO course, I mean, you get a salary to start with, which when you compare it to the guys chasing ATPL etc, is just a god send.
VectorLine
27th Nov 2003, 04:17
Yes, it is tax free.
The sum used to be £108.50 taxed. when it changed to untaxed NATS droppped it to £100 which meant more in your pocket and less on NATS outgoings - as Odi said, everyones a winner.
You also get to claim car mileage for a trip home every month. So if you live a fair distance away, it can add up to a nice extra sum. When I was a Student you didnt have to prove you had done the journey. So they relied on you being 'honest' when you claimed it.
Obviously every one went home once a month :)
Salary is very good considering there is an outside chance of some not making the full distance. Oh and by the way - since the SATC course is registered as a full time course of further education - you are classed as a full time student, so you can get all the benefits that goes with that too (such as a railcard even if you are over 26, and free council tax if you are in a house entirely occupied by students i.e. sharing with other SATCs!!)
Good Luck!
garthy
27th Nov 2003, 04:24
Thanks VectorLine,
the folks live in Bournemouth, so I don't think the mileage is worth it!! But then again, the in laws are in London, and as the wife will (hopefully) be giving up a lot to move down with me, I guess the princess deserves some allowance!
Cheers, your a lot more helpful than HR are at the moment!!