life after validating

[up the tower]

Should one successfully validate at a unit, how long can you reasonably expect to remain there? Guess this refers more to aerodrome? For example, if a cadet was posted to Gatwick Tower, and then validated, would they remain there, or in the true sense of mobile grade, would NATS say "well done, now off to Cardiff" for example?
Sorry if this is a silly question, guess I was wondering about when you could think about buying houses, other half getting full time job etc, without it being all blown out of the window.
cheers!

[Warped Factor]

In the London area when the approach part of the function went to TC there was lots of talk about career progression and so on ie if you're posted to the tower you'd valaidate there and then a few years later move over to the radar function at TC.

In reality though this has never materialised for various reasons (surprise surprise) and in reality if you're posted to a tower only unit unless you make your own vigorous representations to escape elsewhere, or have real personal reasons for needing to move, you can probably expect to stay there for your whole career if you want to.

Many of course are happy with that as at the airport is where they want to be but for those that do want out actually getting over the wall can be a long and frustrating experience.

Mind you the same applies for those that have also tried to go in the other direction!

WF.

[LGW15]

I think in most cases you stay at where you validate because they are careful about where they place you when you validate.

[NudgingSteel]

It would be most unusual to move somebody to another unit after validation. Once you validate, you're a 'useful' person who can fill a rostered position. Chances are you've then allowed somebody else to retire or move on. If they moved you, you'd be a 'useless' trainee (only in terms of rostering and providing an ATC service you understand!) at the new unit for another few months.
I'd agree strongly with Warped; chances are that if you validate all positions at an airport, you could probably grow old there if you want to!
Of course we've all signed the 'mobile grade' contract so it could happen, but I've never known it. Buy that house!

[up the tower]

Thankyou all for the positive and quick replies.

[hold at SATAN]

BAsically you're stuck at the airfield until someone new validates to allow you to move on. Compassionate moves are very rare. Besides, once you've been a trainee and validated you don't really want to be a trainee again.. ever

[055166k]

Think positive to succeed. It is quite possible for you to gain promotion in either job-post or grade within 3 years of validating. If you have a talent for management you can expect promotion to a supervisory position within 5 years of validating; and beyond that it is more a matter of a tap-on-the-shoulder/nod-nod wink-wink progression.
Not everyone enjoys controlling, or you may not be any good at it......there is no shame in that.....some people make better managers....NATS have hundreds of managers.
Once you are a manager you can expect regular postings in the course of your career progression.
OR, you may enjoy the controlling so much that you don't want to move.......best of luck whatever you do!