ATCO Decision now Excited/scared bout CATC
Join Date: Sep 2004
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Hello people!
A couple of weeks ago I received the congratulations email from NATS saying I'd got through the interviews etc, and was expected to be in for a course start date in 2005.
Obviously I'm over the moon but was wondering (approximately) how long it takes until you're called for your medical and when you found out which course you are actually penciled in for? I'm expecting it to be late next year, Oct/Dec time?
I'm religiously checking my email for information but don't want to hound the HR people!
Thanks for any info you can give!
Best of luck for March,
Winter
A couple of weeks ago I received the congratulations email from NATS saying I'd got through the interviews etc, and was expected to be in for a course start date in 2005.
Obviously I'm over the moon but was wondering (approximately) how long it takes until you're called for your medical and when you found out which course you are actually penciled in for? I'm expecting it to be late next year, Oct/Dec time?
I'm religiously checking my email for information but don't want to hound the HR people!
Thanks for any info you can give!
Best of luck for March,
Winter
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Congratulations Winter!
I found out I was in about mid March this year, had my medical in August and received a phone call in September to see if I could start in June 2005 - I'm told this may well be brought forward to March. There seems to be quite a variation in the timelines for everyone though...
D
I found out I was in about mid March this year, had my medical in August and received a phone call in September to see if I could start in June 2005 - I'm told this may well be brought forward to March. There seems to be quite a variation in the timelines for everyone though...
D
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Join Date: Nov 2004
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March (hopefully)
Yeah Dingerc is right. The times can really vary. I don't no what logic hr use in constructing the courses.
I waited the whole summer since May for my medical. Just had it last month. I actually thought they had forgotten about me and I began to pester them towards the end.
I think hr are used to being pestered, they've got a chilled vibe when you ask them exact questions.
Dingerc a few of us Glasgow lads are starting to go for beers together. If you are over from Belfast before March give me a shout and we'll get something sorted.
Talking about pay on the course. Was it the case that you used to get a payrise on the course after you passed the Radar modules or something, is this still the case?
Also anyone at CATC at the moment on the lower salary, just to confirm that you are paying council tax.
I waited the whole summer since May for my medical. Just had it last month. I actually thought they had forgotten about me and I began to pester them towards the end.
I think hr are used to being pestered, they've got a chilled vibe when you ask them exact questions.
Dingerc a few of us Glasgow lads are starting to go for beers together. If you are over from Belfast before March give me a shout and we'll get something sorted.
Talking about pay on the course. Was it the case that you used to get a payrise on the course after you passed the Radar modules or something, is this still the case?
Also anyone at CATC at the moment on the lower salary, just to confirm that you are paying council tax.
I say there boy
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Just spoken to HR. For those on the March course they are chasing up all outstanding referees, medicals etc before Christmas. We should expect to get full confirmation and a welcome pack from the College itself in January.
Their advice was not to make any commitments for the March course before then.
Their advice was not to make any commitments for the March course before then.
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Yea you will pay council tax and all your other bills unless your lucky to get an all inclusive rent!
The salary goes up in Jan to the dizzy heights of £14.8k a rise of £0.4k.
there are no rises until you complete the college element of training and only then will you move up to a payscale.
I think it goes form £14.8 to £25k not including allowances (if you get into the higher band units)
sorry don't know what the lower rates are as the majority on 201 are going to Area units.
Ah more Scots - the place is being overrun!! (at last!)
The salary goes up in Jan to the dizzy heights of £14.8k a rise of £0.4k.
there are no rises until you complete the college element of training and only then will you move up to a payscale.
I think it goes form £14.8 to £25k not including allowances (if you get into the higher band units)
sorry don't know what the lower rates are as the majority on 201 are going to Area units.
Ah more Scots - the place is being overrun!! (at last!)
Join Date: Jun 2003
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Yeah HR are.....weird to say the least. They have not got a good reputation with the students really, especially with course 201.
Personally I was really lucky. I only applied in March this year, had my tests in April, interview in May, and by sheer luck I got on the September course this year. I think if you keep contacting them, saying that you could start at a moments notice etc etc it might get you in quicker- it seemed to work for me.
Good luck to you all, its definitely worth it when you get here!!!
bmb7jiw
Personally I was really lucky. I only applied in March this year, had my tests in April, interview in May, and by sheer luck I got on the September course this year. I think if you keep contacting them, saying that you could start at a moments notice etc etc it might get you in quicker- it seemed to work for me.
Good luck to you all, its definitely worth it when you get here!!!
bmb7jiw
Join Date: Oct 2004
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Hi everyone,
I'm another person late on this thread, another one from north of the border and another one on the March course!
I'm really glad there are a few others starting to get a bit nervous about starting, and what I 've read on some of the threads has really help answer a few questions. I had been planning to sell my flat up here and buy near Bournemouth, but now hearing how much time we could spend away from Bournemouth I think I'll just keep the flat in Glasgow and rent down south. I dont fancy forking out for a mortgage in Bournemouth as well as rent where ever i'm training. My girlfriend had thought about come down with me but with the uncertainty of me being about she is more likely to be staying in Glasgow. Her mates can move into the flat and pay my mortgage!!
I passed selection on second attempt in May and passed medical in August so a March start date was earlier than I had been told to expect. June or Sept 05 was more likely. I seem younger than quite a few of you at 24 which I didnt expect as alot of the people I went through selection at were younger than me. I guess I'll just have to wait till March to see if I recognize anyone.
Anyway, I 've just been reminded about references and cant even remember whose names I put down, its that long ago I filled out the application. Had better call HR tomorrow and see what is happening with it. I should here back about mid January I previous calls to them are anything to go by! At least I dont seem to the only person having that problem.
Really looking forward to meeting up with everyone in March and getting started with our training. I'm sure we'll be reading a few more threads from each other in the next couple of months as March gets closer.
Bye for now and enjoy your Christmas
Greig
I'm another person late on this thread, another one from north of the border and another one on the March course!
I'm really glad there are a few others starting to get a bit nervous about starting, and what I 've read on some of the threads has really help answer a few questions. I had been planning to sell my flat up here and buy near Bournemouth, but now hearing how much time we could spend away from Bournemouth I think I'll just keep the flat in Glasgow and rent down south. I dont fancy forking out for a mortgage in Bournemouth as well as rent where ever i'm training. My girlfriend had thought about come down with me but with the uncertainty of me being about she is more likely to be staying in Glasgow. Her mates can move into the flat and pay my mortgage!!
I passed selection on second attempt in May and passed medical in August so a March start date was earlier than I had been told to expect. June or Sept 05 was more likely. I seem younger than quite a few of you at 24 which I didnt expect as alot of the people I went through selection at were younger than me. I guess I'll just have to wait till March to see if I recognize anyone.
Anyway, I 've just been reminded about references and cant even remember whose names I put down, its that long ago I filled out the application. Had better call HR tomorrow and see what is happening with it. I should here back about mid January I previous calls to them are anything to go by! At least I dont seem to the only person having that problem.
Really looking forward to meeting up with everyone in March and getting started with our training. I'm sure we'll be reading a few more threads from each other in the next couple of months as March gets closer.
Bye for now and enjoy your Christmas
Greig
Join Date: Sep 2003
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Guys, fyi about buying, renting down here....I started on the dec 6th course, and on our induction week we were told that renting was not a wise idea as you could be put on hold after the introductory course (9wks) to ACC's or Airports anywhere in the UK and will only get paid weekly accommodation for 1 place, not your home in bournemouth and in whereever they send you...also your flight training is not necessarily in bournemouth, we have been given the option of bournemouth, manston, high wycombe.
just an fyi to you guys planning on making the big move.
just an fyi to you guys planning on making the big move.
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Such a fine, upstanding, helpful chap you are Mick! 
We've been in for 3 weeks now (and man has that gone quick!!) and its grand!! Money is going to be tight yes but you won't be out in the evenings spending it! I'm not the only one on the course who's spending at least 2 hours a night studying. (stop smirking robbo!!!!)
Renting is not the way forward althought there are folk who are doing so. Mick is right, you could end up paying for 2 lots of accom with only 1 WAP to cover it! There are some short term holiday lets available but they may be a touch pricey come the summer months.
Right, what are those 50 aircraft all about??!!
We've been in for 3 weeks now (and man has that gone quick!!) and its grand!! Money is going to be tight yes but you won't be out in the evenings spending it! I'm not the only one on the course who's spending at least 2 hours a night studying. (stop smirking robbo!!!!)
Renting is not the way forward althought there are folk who are doing so. Mick is right, you could end up paying for 2 lots of accom with only 1 WAP to cover it! There are some short term holiday lets available but they may be a touch pricey come the summer months.
Right, what are those 50 aircraft all about??!!
Spink Pots
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How has everyone found it so far? Have you been told how many are being split for Aerodrome / Area disciplines yet?
Good luck with the rest of the intro course, we (201 area) might even meet you in February
Good luck with the rest of the intro course, we (201 area) might even meet you in February
Spink Pots
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I bet there's people walking around the college in a daze, mumbling to themselves;
"Falcon 20 light forty five forty seven"
"Falcon 20 light forty five forty seven"
Last edited by Scuzi; 29th Dec 2004 at 00:04.
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50 Aircraft
mmm 50 aircraft sounds daunting. I had heard about this though.
Excellent to hear from you guys in the college. Are you all staying in B&B then?
What's CATC like? Only seen it from the outside is it big inside?
Is the canteen just like school?
Questions, Questions, Questions
What did you guys do on the induction week at the hotel? DRINK
Good to get more feed back from you december sixers.
You don't have to pay council tax if you stay in a b&b do you?
Excellent to hear from you guys in the college. Are you all staying in B&B then?
What's CATC like? Only seen it from the outside is it big inside?
Is the canteen just like school?
Questions, Questions, Questions
What did you guys do on the induction week at the hotel? DRINK
Good to get more feed back from you december sixers.
You don't have to pay council tax if you stay in a b&b do you?
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Alright Scots mate
I'm not in a B&B, I have a flat, apparently i have to pay council tax but i've not gone out of my way to look for it yet. I know, I'll get a big fat bill in a few months time but not caring right now.
It's a riot at CATC, the instructors are absolutely top notch, really know their stuff and approachable to boot.
It's all shiny and new and hi-tech inside. The food is actually very good (when you can tear yourself away from the fag conservatory long enough to go and eat), all subsidised so nice and cheap. But the sausages taste of gas. But only me and the lover of chickens seem to have noticed. It's very odd.
And you asked about week 1 at Meon Valley... a few drinks and inappropriate conversations were had. But what else would you expect?
Actually, Top Team were great, I and many others thought it would just be some schmaltzy american style group hugging pap but it was really fun. And we learned a lot. Like the fact that me and dannyo shouldn't try to work together when we're both tired!
Relax. It's worth the sacrifices.
I'm not in a B&B, I have a flat, apparently i have to pay council tax but i've not gone out of my way to look for it yet. I know, I'll get a big fat bill in a few months time but not caring right now.
It's a riot at CATC, the instructors are absolutely top notch, really know their stuff and approachable to boot.
It's all shiny and new and hi-tech inside. The food is actually very good (when you can tear yourself away from the fag conservatory long enough to go and eat), all subsidised so nice and cheap. But the sausages taste of gas. But only me and the lover of chickens seem to have noticed. It's very odd.
And you asked about week 1 at Meon Valley... a few drinks and inappropriate conversations were had. But what else would you expect?
Actually, Top Team were great, I and many others thought it would just be some schmaltzy american style group hugging pap but it was really fun. And we learned a lot. Like the fact that me and dannyo shouldn't try to work together when we're both tired!
Relax. It's worth the sacrifices.
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Cheers
Cheers Gilaine
thanks for the feedback it's much appreciated. My excitement is showing through which is rare.
Good to know that the sacrifices about to be made are worthwhile, what a buzz.
How is the work? Are all you guys getting two hours of homework everynight?
thanks for the feedback it's much appreciated. My excitement is showing through which is rare.
Good to know that the sacrifices about to be made are worthwhile, what a buzz.
How is the work? Are all you guys getting two hours of homework everynight?
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I've just finished intro with 201,
As regard to "homework" its not work given to you, its what YOU decide you want to do to study. With regard to how long you spend studying, its upto the individual.
Personally, i found i didn't need to study too much in the first 5 weeks or so. Just enough to get through the progress tests etc, then i knuckled down towards the end and the dreaded multi topic paper (be warned its a hell of a subject to study for... so much info to learn)
Luckily i did well, so alls well that ends well!
The key thing really is not to become Hermit like, study in a group or with a couple of people, i was sceptical at first, but IT DOES HELP, as people come up with questions you may have forgotten. This will also help tremendously for your Oral Board at the end of the course.
Hope ur all enjoying it nd see you in Feb!!
81
As regard to "homework" its not work given to you, its what YOU decide you want to do to study. With regard to how long you spend studying, its upto the individual.
Personally, i found i didn't need to study too much in the first 5 weeks or so. Just enough to get through the progress tests etc, then i knuckled down towards the end and the dreaded multi topic paper (be warned its a hell of a subject to study for... so much info to learn)
Luckily i did well, so alls well that ends well!
The key thing really is not to become Hermit like, study in a group or with a couple of people, i was sceptical at first, but IT DOES HELP, as people come up with questions you may have forgotten. This will also help tremendously for your Oral Board at the end of the course.
Hope ur all enjoying it nd see you in Feb!!
81
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My advice to you all is to get to know people from the other courses!!! You cannot learn in isolation and there are loads of people around the college who have experience holding at various units, and have had the opportunity to do some OJT. There are even some ex-approach controllers I believe on area courses. It's always useful to be able to pick each others brains, you never know what gems of knowledge you may pick up. Look into a visit to other sim rooms, with the permission of the course manager of course . . . . and never, ever assume you know it all!
Your time at the college will be over all to quickly, so enjoy it!
Your time at the college will be over all to quickly, so enjoy it!
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Your time at the college will be over all to quickly, so enjoy it!