NATS or Eurocontrol ATC training?

[jarchitect]

Hi all,
Completed my degree in college this year but before finishing I applied for tests with both NATS and Eurocontrol and luckily made it to stage 3 in both. Had my Stage 3 with Eurocontrol in September and was offered a place on their course, however this wont start til September next year! I haven't gone for Stage 3 tests with NATS yet but as far as I'm aware (assuming I pass...) they have courses starting much sooner. Anyway I'm hoping somebody out there could give me a clear indication as to which company is better to train with and work for, should I give Stage 3 NATS a go too?
I was able to visit the Eurocontrol area control centre and must say I felt very 'at home' there which is why I'm putting NATS off so far... My personal circumstances will also play a part but I'd like to get as much info as possible before making a final decision.
Appreciate any input....
Thanks,
Jen

[cottam approach]

Can't saywhat it is like working for either but I can say it's doubtful you'd be starting with NATS any sooner than that (assuming you pass stage 3)

[IFPS man]

EUROCONTROL!!!!! PM if you wish......

[Pat42]

I can't imagine you'd be able to start on a course with NATS much sooner at the minute... but you never know.

In terms of which employer is better, I've no experience of Eurocontrol but I suspect that actually this is as much about you and what you want to get out of the job as anything else. You say you've visited facilities at Eurocontrol and felt at home, I'd recommend visiting some NATS facilities and see if you get the same vibe (some people will, some people won't). You might like it more, you might like it less, you might like it the same.

Other considerations will be where you want to work (just as important a factor as any other). I notice that you're from Ireland, so you may find that you are more comfortable living in the UK than the European mainland (or on the otherhand you might be looking for a change and the mainland could be exactly what you need).

[jarchitect]

Wow thanks for the quick replies! Actually got a call today from Eurocontrol, they have a space available on the January course but I had to turn it down :(. Have too much stuff to sort out before I go. Made me realise though that having to wait til September mightn't be such a bad thing after all! I was too impatient! Good to know NATS courses are running to a similar schedule though, makes things simpler....