NATS Initial Selection Tests - Dates?

[GolfWhiskeyKilo]

Hi Gang,

Just wondering if anyone else is waiting for a date to go for the initial selection day? They put it back again due to a shortage of applicants so were waiting for days to become fully booked before confirming a date??

I know with the postal delays I'm wondering, before calling them, if something should have arrived by now.

Thanks,

Ian B

[PGM]

I'm in the same boat! I applied in July of this year and received a letter saying the initial tests would be in November. I called Swanick a couple of days ago and they have now confirmed that they have been put back to the new year. It's just a case of sitting it out. I too am in Durham...maybe see you there!

[GolfWhiskeyKilo]

Hi there,

ah ok that answers it then I suppose. More time to get rid of the rust on my maths.

Keep in touch and if we get the same day we can share the travel costs!

Ian

[mickrobbo]

I too am waiting for a selection date to be confirmed...I applied back in March this year and got told July/Aug then Nov/Dec, and they aren't that hot on communication so I was unaware that this has been put back again....it sucks big time.
I'm near Manchester so I doubt I will be seeing you guys at the tests.....

[garthy]

I got a letter a couple of weeks ago that said they were launching the on-line application form in Novemer (which is now up and running) and would be looking to do initial testing no earlier than the end of November/beggining of December, so it looks like new year may not be a bad estimate. Didn't realise there had been a lack of applicants, everytime I phoned in the last six months they kept putting me off saying to wait for the new on-line form.
Good luck to everyone. Having spent the first 18 years of my life in Bournemouth, it would be fun to go back there all these years later, though its nice to see that the Seagull is still talked about. Funny to think I worked in the McDonalds down the road from there when a was i kid!

[heinzmanm]

I'm waiting too! Out of interest, does anyone know the locations where the tests are held and, more specifically which would be nearest to Newcastle Upon Tyne?
Thanks

[GolfWhiskeyKilo]

Thanks for all the comments and answers people!

heinzmanm - I am in Chester-le-Street not far from you, and from what I hear they'll be in Manchester, or Edinburgh but don't hold me on that!

Ian

[heinzmanm]

Thanks. Thought that it would be 'key' cities such as those.
Hope to see you there.

[GolfWhiskeyKilo]

Yeah.

Great will look forward to it.

Ian.

[atcsstudent]

I am waiting too!!!!!
I applied in June, and I have to fly from Majorca. Hope to see you soon in London or wherever!!!

[PGM]

Whereabouts in Mallorca JoanMcewen, I lived out there for 3 years and came back to the uk in 2000. I can think of worst places to be whilst waiting!!!

[atcsstudent]

Hi PGM!!
I live in Buger, a little village near Campanet and Inca.
Where did you live???
I've always been living here, but born in England. I come now and again.
See ya!!

[PGM]

In Puerto Pollensa, it was beautiful, but too many tourists at times. maybe see you at the tests!

[aaaabbbbcccc1111]

i applied oct 2002,and i am still waiting for my interview,i had my initial selection in april 03,and i have no idea when my interview will be.

[dannyo]

I applied in November 2002 and I've now been offered a place at Bournemouth starting next October

Getting to know the people around you on the test day is well worth it. Calmed my nerves no end having someone to speak to during the day. Gave me someone to go for lunch with as well. and to the pub when the day had finished!!

Good luck all!! Its hard but well worth the effort

[katanapilot]

I applied to NATS in November 2002, and went to London for testing in Feb this year, followed by a successful interview day in April. I was told that the next course would be the October 2004 course, subject to passing the Class 1 medical. They gave me a date in July this year, however I couldn't make the date and have heard nothing since!!

I have since taken up training for a related profession, so am not concerned, but would definitely agree that the communication is not brilliant, but 'phone calls tend to sort things out. Don't think the move to Swanwick has helped matters either! Understand also that the ATCO training course is going through a transition period, with the newer course being shorter than the old course, hence the delay in starting training.

Good luck everyone!

[Kirstey]

Same old question!!

But anyone been in touch with the lazy so and sos from NATS HR about a test date.. I wanna go on holiday! bit hard to book a date not knowing when the tests will be!

[GolfWhiskeyKilo]

Same old, i'm just sitting waiting but I am applying for other things so hope they get back to me soon.

Ian

[weselfluren]

Now now children!

GolfWhiskeyKilo Same old, i'm just sitting waiting but I am applying for other things so hope they get back to me soon.

Well said GWK - HR do not appreciate that you'd have a life outside of their recruitment cycle, so I wouldn't worry too much about it. Shame it could completely balls up your career, personal life, entire future if you didn't get in.....

I doubt those nice and helpful guys at HR don't want to help, just seems like the whole organisation is slow on the recruitment side of things right now - and as all the courses are "booked up" until about a year from now, it might be well worth giving HR a call to see if they can supply any information. Be prepared to be fobbed off, in a kindly manner.

I'm a "victim" of this absurd position too , and have been for a while. It is hell not knowing, but I suspect that the HR guys don't know either - hence the lack of any info coming out of Swanick.

The best hope for any action is for either someone from HR or the upper management actually reading or giving them a call. I'd give them a call - it shouldn't "put a stain" on your record. Who could criticize you for being enthusiastic.......?


Try one of these:
Recruitment & Selection
Rova Cabins - LACC
Swanwick Centre
Sopwith Way
Swanwick
Hants SO31 7AY

Tel [phone]

Best of luck, think that we'll all be needing it in January, or February, or maybe March.......

Could go on all night, but Pprune only has so much storage space for Weselfluren's rants about the crap that isn't coming forth from HR

[GolfWhiskeyKilo]

Hi weselfluren,

I agree. I think i'll call them come 2nd week of Jan if I haven't heard anything by then.

Regards,

Ian