When finished training where do you go?

[BPL321]

Hi,

I have appied to NATS. As a matter of interest assuming I passed the interviews and tests, sat the course in Bournmouth and passed when you actually get posted(if thats the word) do you get a choice? I'm not talking about a specific airport but can you request an area in the UK. I come from Blackpool and for house/partner/mortgage etc I would ideally like to stay in the Northwest. My partner has started a new job in Manchester so unless she can get a transfer its a little bit of a problem(at the moment). I would appreciate any advice/inofrmation.

Thanks

[Gonzo]

BPL321.

The short answer is not really.

If you've not sat the initial tests yet, then I reckon you wouldn't be starting until late '05 or early '06.

[MissManchester]

i got through to the interview stage and one of the questions that they ask you is whether you are willing to work anywhere in the uk. And how would you cope if for example you were posted right up in remote scotland.

I know for sure that you dont have a choice where you would be posted!

[BPL321]

Scotland? Well I do like the snow. We don't get much in Blackpool.
Another thing I wanted to ask. When you have been posted, after a certain length of time are you able to apply to vacancies more preferrable to where you do want to be?

[squibbler]

When I sat my NATS selection tests (1995), before we started we had to sign a bit of paper which if memory serves said:

Please select the following as applicable and sign below:

A) I understand that I will be employed by NATS as a mobile grade and agree to be posted wherever it suits the company.

B) I do not agree to employed as a mobile grade and wish to withdraw my application

Signed..................................

Not word for word but you get my drift! Don't know if they still do this or not.

[Winter2004]

Squibbler

You're right. I had my first stage selection tests last month and we all had to sign a form stating that we would happy to be posted anywhere.

BPL321 be prepared to go where they want you! And good luck with the selection process.

[sla]

I signed that too, but I'm crossing my fingers and toes that I'll be sent to Swanwick. I don't think that's too unreasonable a request from what I gather, seeing as I want to do area anyway. Have to wait and see I guess, I haven't started training yet, so posting is a little way off for me.

[Turn It Off]

but I'm crossing my fingers and toes that I'll be sent to Swanwick. I don't think that's too unreasonable a request from what I gather, seeing as I want to do area anyway.

I don't know how the new course works, but apprently the decision is made before you go to the college as to whether you are an Area Radar or ADC/APR course. There is no guarantee that you will get Area or Swanwick.

Don't mean to P*** on your fireworks but it is possible.

TIO

[sla]

For what it's worth (maybe not much) when I have spoken to HR folk on the phone they said that the decision is not made by the course load, but after you have been on the initial part of the course. Anyone out there on a new course who can shed any light?

[Vee One...Rotate]

Don't mean to go off topic but just wated to ask whatthe length of the course was? Purely out of interest - just curious as to how long it takes to qualify...

Cheers,

V1R

[Dad30]

I am currrently on the introductory course, there are 30 of us and 25 are destined for Area, mostly for Swanwick.

We do not find out who goes where until we have passed the course.

[bagpuss lives]

I think New Scottish Centre is going to need an awful lot of new staff when it finally opens

As others have said, you'll have no say in where you are posted and have to accept what's given to you.

If this posting affects you extremely negatively (and it would have to be an extreme I suspect) then you could always try for a compassionate posting somewhere that would enable your problems to be sort out, once your feet are firmly under the NATS table so to speak.

As I say though, you'd obviously have to have a proven compassionate reason for such a ploy to work in your favour.

[Hurn-ia]

Yeah we do DAD30, you're off to South Siberia intl. four movements a year!!

[Cuddles]

Why not come to the Ice Station? The weather's lovely this time of year*



*Compared to February

[Captain Lunj]

Hi BPL321,
I'm from Manchester myself - sat the tests in September.

Not sure if you know, but the Manchester subcentre will be closing down sometime in the future - not sure when - perhaps the end of the deacde!

[bagpuss lives]

The shutdown of MACC is currently scheduled for Winter 2008 / Spring 2009.

[BPL321]

Oh dear. That wasn't the news I wanted to hear about Manchester. I was aware I would probably have to relocate but it now means I don't even get a chance at Manchester. Not to worry, you go for the job not the location.

[bagpuss lives]

There will, of course, still be Aerodrome ATCOs at Manchester after that date.

[055166k]

BPL321

First useful tip.....don't appear reluctant to go anywhere, there is massive competition for these jobs.
Second useful tip......it doesn't matter because you will have a fantastic time where-ever you end up.
Third useful tip....decide now what is more important, your career or concerns over baggage...the answer will tell you more about yourself.
You find me in serious mode for once, I too am from Blackpool; I used to pedal down to Squires Gate on my way to school to watch the Autair Ambassador take-off for Luton [what an incredible sound those Bristol Centaurus 661's made on the world's most beautiful aircraft], and pedal over to Warton to watch the TSR-2 fly [ that defines the word "awesome"]..anyway that got me hooked.
Your attitude should be that you want this job more than anything else in the world, and if you don't.....well the guy behind you at the interview certainly will.
The very best of luck!

[mickrobbo]

I'm aware that most positions are at Swanick centre, are there as many positions at ScoAcc? Cos if I was pushed into doing area then I would prefer Prestwick to Southampton.