ATCO Decision now Excited/scared bout CATC
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ATCO Decision now Excited/scared bout CATC
Well I've read this forum with deep interest over the last few days. It's given me alot of the information that I couldn't find anywhere else especially NATS Hr over the last year.
I passed the selection tests and the interviews first time this year. Recently passed passed the medical and looks like I'm heading down to CATC in March 05. (a year from sitting the tests, not bad if all goes smoothly)
How long would someone applying in 2001/2002 have had too wait?
This is probably the biggest decision I've ever made in my life. I like a gamble though but gambling with my career ..ahh.
I'm in my late twenties so it's the only chance I've got to do it. I've been fascinated with avaition since a baby. Almost joined the RAF as a pilot after Honours degree. Opted instead to play safe and do my Masters degree.
Now I'm taking more than a 50% paycut to become a trainee. Selling my flat and possibly giving up alot of little luxuries in life, leather sofas, sky, superkingsize bed, living alone and Celtic football club.
rite nuff of that tears on my pillow p*sh. I'm gonna/have to do it. To hear you guys describing it as the best job in the world, and still enjoying the buzz and challenge is great.
Now listening to the kids talking is great as they're excited and motivated but they're not giving up anything to do it. Everything is a plus for them. I am more interested in the guys like myself who've given up good careers (which they're less passionate about) to persue this.
Another thing is I love living on my own, yep sure I'll stay in a Boscombe B&B for a few weeks to booze with the gang and try and suss out a cool flat.
Is it affordable for a trainee to live on their todd? And have the crew round when suits?
It's going to weird being one of the older ones as I've always been one of the younger ones. At least though they'll always be up for a night out unlike my troops here who're hiding in their houses with their girlfriends(or certain publications).
Anyhow's I'd like to hear from anyone else who was in my situation.
Also the true pros and cons of ATCO life from the inside(besides the buzz of the job). 181 days off a year etc. Do you get cheap holidays? What is it about the lifestyle you guys love? Note I also want to hear the bad points from your side.
I'm slightly concerned bout the shiftwork aspect. It teriffies me to think about being sleepy on this job. Also you miss the footy sometimes (get over it)
Oh yeah is there ever any hot girls on the courses at CATC? ;0)
I passed the selection tests and the interviews first time this year. Recently passed passed the medical and looks like I'm heading down to CATC in March 05. (a year from sitting the tests, not bad if all goes smoothly)
How long would someone applying in 2001/2002 have had too wait?
This is probably the biggest decision I've ever made in my life. I like a gamble though but gambling with my career ..ahh.
I'm in my late twenties so it's the only chance I've got to do it. I've been fascinated with avaition since a baby. Almost joined the RAF as a pilot after Honours degree. Opted instead to play safe and do my Masters degree.
Now I'm taking more than a 50% paycut to become a trainee. Selling my flat and possibly giving up alot of little luxuries in life, leather sofas, sky, superkingsize bed, living alone and Celtic football club.
rite nuff of that tears on my pillow p*sh. I'm gonna/have to do it. To hear you guys describing it as the best job in the world, and still enjoying the buzz and challenge is great.
Now listening to the kids talking is great as they're excited and motivated but they're not giving up anything to do it. Everything is a plus for them. I am more interested in the guys like myself who've given up good careers (which they're less passionate about) to persue this.
Another thing is I love living on my own, yep sure I'll stay in a Boscombe B&B for a few weeks to booze with the gang and try and suss out a cool flat.
Is it affordable for a trainee to live on their todd? And have the crew round when suits?
It's going to weird being one of the older ones as I've always been one of the younger ones. At least though they'll always be up for a night out unlike my troops here who're hiding in their houses with their girlfriends(or certain publications).
Anyhow's I'd like to hear from anyone else who was in my situation.
Also the true pros and cons of ATCO life from the inside(besides the buzz of the job). 181 days off a year etc. Do you get cheap holidays? What is it about the lifestyle you guys love? Note I also want to hear the bad points from your side.
I'm slightly concerned bout the shiftwork aspect. It teriffies me to think about being sleepy on this job. Also you miss the footy sometimes (get over it)
Oh yeah is there ever any hot girls on the courses at CATC? ;0)
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Hi, I start the college on Dec 6th. I have taken a 60% paycut from a solid career to do something I've always wanted to do. This means leaving my wife up north, still paying the mortgage, and living without lifes luxuries for a while.
I applied in March 2003 so its 20mths or so to get here.....
I looked at getting a studio flat on my own and prices look to be from about £500 upward. The college advises against this as there will be times when you are away from the college, ie on the job training etc, and they won't pay the accommodation allowance when you are not there, so you would have to find the extra cash to pay for your rent.
Think about it, work hard for couple of years and you'll be back to life's luxuries in no time, with the best job in the world....that swung it for me....
Best of luck with whatever decision you make.
I applied in March 2003 so its 20mths or so to get here.....
I looked at getting a studio flat on my own and prices look to be from about £500 upward. The college advises against this as there will be times when you are away from the college, ie on the job training etc, and they won't pay the accommodation allowance when you are not there, so you would have to find the extra cash to pay for your rent.
Think about it, work hard for couple of years and you'll be back to life's luxuries in no time, with the best job in the world....that swung it for me....
Best of luck with whatever decision you make.
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Cheers Mick
Cheers Mick
I'll definitely take the opportunity to give this a shot. It's great to hear from people like yourself who are in a similar situation.
I'm sure we'll be around the same table having a couple of Jars at some point.
Certainly with the things we are giving up they're will certainly be a drive within us.
Concerning flats etc I'll cross that bridge when I come to it and I'll go with the flow.
It's good to hear your wife etc are supporting you.
I know Bournemouth very well and it's a good town. I'll miss the big city a bit though but I've had that for ten years.
Very much looking forward to the adventure and challanges ahead.
I'll definitely take the opportunity to give this a shot. It's great to hear from people like yourself who are in a similar situation.
I'm sure we'll be around the same table having a couple of Jars at some point.
Certainly with the things we are giving up they're will certainly be a drive within us.
Concerning flats etc I'll cross that bridge when I come to it and I'll go with the flow.
It's good to hear your wife etc are supporting you.
I know Bournemouth very well and it's a good town. I'll miss the big city a bit though but I've had that for ten years.
Very much looking forward to the adventure and challanges ahead.
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You will find the sacrifice far outweighs any of the downsides to the job. The only part I didn't like was the night shifts but if you prepare for them then no problem. Obviousely you cannot go out every friday and saturday night with your mates but when you are off for the weekend then you look forward to it more. You can also go shopping without the hussle and bussle of saturdays when everyone else is. You will soon get used to shift work and I'm sure you'll find it to be ok. Enjoy the job it's great, if you do not like shifts then there are plenty of opportunities within NATS to work 9-5. If you also plan your leave well in advance then it helps. Like you say 180 days working per annum, not bad. A good wedge in your hand every month, not bad. Discounted holidays through UKATTS, not bad. Discounted flights through the Guild, not bad. All in all bloody good. Concentrate and pass your exams, validate and then decide.
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When I was there it was entirely possible to get a 1 bedroom flat in Boscombe within the accomodation allowance, but I don't know what the rental market is like these days. I was like you, used to living alone and not keen on spending 18 months, as it was then, in a B&B. Others shared houses together and seemed to have no problems.
The warning about not getting money to pay for a flat when you are away doing your 3 months OJT at a unit (do they still have that on the new area course?) is relevant, but keep in mind that there will be people at the college at a different stage in their training who will only be too happy to take over your flat for 3 months while you are away and pay you their allowance - that was certainly my experience. Technically it's sub-letting, but who needs to know?
The warning about not getting money to pay for a flat when you are away doing your 3 months OJT at a unit (do they still have that on the new area course?) is relevant, but keep in mind that there will be people at the college at a different stage in their training who will only be too happy to take over your flat for 3 months while you are away and pay you their allowance - that was certainly my experience. Technically it's sub-letting, but who needs to know?
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Living Alone
Thanks
I'll certainly look into living alone and possibly sub letting. I've had a few wild nights in Bournemouth and know the town quite well. I have been told by a girlfriend down there that Boscombe is a bit dodgy.
You know what it's like though you hear that about alot of places that actually are fine.
Beyond the job do you guys find you tend to only socialise with other ATCO's? Bit like oil rig workers they're always off while everyone else is working. I'm sure i'll adjust to shifts when I eventually do them.
Haha this may sound shallow but as a single guy I do wonder what sort of women I'll meet in this job.
Mind off the girls there's alot of work to be done.
I'll certainly look into living alone and possibly sub letting. I've had a few wild nights in Bournemouth and know the town quite well. I have been told by a girlfriend down there that Boscombe is a bit dodgy.
You know what it's like though you hear that about alot of places that actually are fine.
Beyond the job do you guys find you tend to only socialise with other ATCO's? Bit like oil rig workers they're always off while everyone else is working. I'm sure i'll adjust to shifts when I eventually do them.
Haha this may sound shallow but as a single guy I do wonder what sort of women I'll meet in this job.
Mind off the girls there's alot of work to be done.
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I have been told by a girlfriend down there that Boscombe is a bit dodgy.
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You do tend to socialise with your watch, when I was at LATCC we all tended to go out together, play 5 a side after an early shift etc. It all depends where you are posted, At the larger units then you will socialise with your colleagues, however that will also depend on where they live as they could be 30 miles east and you could be 30 miles west. Smaller units may be a bit different, but due to the nature of shift work and being off at the same time as your colleagues the it is only natural that yo mix with them.
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I start in December as you may have seen already and am too, taking a substantial cut in salary to follow a dream! From what I have seen, it WILL be worth it in the long run!! The career sounds fantastic, the time off is crackin if you have a family etc...etc...
I will be leaving my wife and 5 month old son back home whilst I train and by the looks I will not be alone in the early Monday start and mad dash Friday afternoon thing!!
As a famous advertuising agency once said to a running shoe manufacturer; Just do it!
*edited as those b@stard grmelins got to me spellin!!
I will be leaving my wife and 5 month old son back home whilst I train and by the looks I will not be alone in the early Monday start and mad dash Friday afternoon thing!!
As a famous advertuising agency once said to a running shoe manufacturer; Just do it!
*edited as those b@stard grmelins got to me spellin!!
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Obviously I can only speak from my own experiences (makes a change some might say) but I started at the college aged 26 with a young family. It was a big gamble and it has been a long hard slog.....count the grey hairs...BUT...there isn't any one of my friends who enjoy their job as much as I do. If ATC is for you, and it isn't everybody's cup of tea, then I really believe there is no better job in the world. The downside is the graft you have to put in to become valid. There will be many hurdles and obstacles on the way but stick at it. If you do get through the other side then I very much doubt you'll ever regret it.
Good Luck
V
Good Luck
V
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The Daunting but exciting adventure ahead
It's great to read the posts from the guys who have gave up so much more than me to give this a shot. Young families and wives etc being left at home, and still paying the mortgage while training.
I'm up for the challenge ahead and it really is what I need at this point of my life. I've always felt guilty buying houses and cars in my present position as I have no true real passion for it and it's all about money. I often regret not following one of my passions when I was younger (aviation) being one. This is my chance before I'm thirty to do this.
It's heartening to hear of the other guys like myself taking the 50% plus pay cuts to do this. It ratifies to me that I'm not insane to be changing my career this way and I look forward to giving you all my support in the trek towards validation.
In some ways we could be worse off. I have four years experience in a good career, if things go wrong I fall back on my qualifications and experience and start this career again on a pay rise knowing that I gave this a shot.
I'll make sure that doesn't happen by giving my all to make a success of this.
The youngsters have nothing to fall back on and may have to consider a different career are scramble an ATSA position if the worst happens.
Another thing that appeals to me is being around people with a similar goal as myself. Not all exactly the same as me (that would be boring) but a team in the true sense. (I think thats why area control at Swanwick appeals to me at the moment). I don't really have that in my career just now. Tend to live for the weekend and that's not life.
My friends and family are fully behind me with some reservations. This is a bit deep but alot of them think I just need a great women in my life to haha rescue me from my bachelor lifestyle. They think this is me taking a backward step from settling down as they know it would be hard to start any serious relationship during the training ahead due to the intensity of it and the possible geographic mobility.
Sorry to go on a bit but just sharing my thoughts with guys who may be in the same position.
Hopefully our journey through the college shouldn't be as long as some (courses 124 - 128) due to course restructure. I know it's talking way off in the future but it's in NATS interest to get us valid in the best possible time (hard when there is a shortage of ATCO's for OJT when out at the unit)
Well that's the heart on the sleeve bit over haha you won't find me this honest and emotional when we meet in the pub ;0)
I'll be sticking all my furniture into storage, selling the flat and living in Boscombe for a wee bit to really get to know the gang.
Then I'll probably be scoping for an unfurnished flat to get my furniture down and wire in. Is sub letting legal??
yeh Rodan you\'re right. Partick has a few maddies living there but it\'s mainly alright. Lot\'s of students, good people etc. I lived there as a student.
Oh my GOD I\'m becoming a student again.
In addition do you have to pay my favourite tax COUNCIL TAX while you\'re at CATC??
I'm up for the challenge ahead and it really is what I need at this point of my life. I've always felt guilty buying houses and cars in my present position as I have no true real passion for it and it's all about money. I often regret not following one of my passions when I was younger (aviation) being one. This is my chance before I'm thirty to do this.
It's heartening to hear of the other guys like myself taking the 50% plus pay cuts to do this. It ratifies to me that I'm not insane to be changing my career this way and I look forward to giving you all my support in the trek towards validation.
In some ways we could be worse off. I have four years experience in a good career, if things go wrong I fall back on my qualifications and experience and start this career again on a pay rise knowing that I gave this a shot.
I'll make sure that doesn't happen by giving my all to make a success of this.
The youngsters have nothing to fall back on and may have to consider a different career are scramble an ATSA position if the worst happens.
Another thing that appeals to me is being around people with a similar goal as myself. Not all exactly the same as me (that would be boring) but a team in the true sense. (I think thats why area control at Swanwick appeals to me at the moment). I don't really have that in my career just now. Tend to live for the weekend and that's not life.
My friends and family are fully behind me with some reservations. This is a bit deep but alot of them think I just need a great women in my life to haha rescue me from my bachelor lifestyle. They think this is me taking a backward step from settling down as they know it would be hard to start any serious relationship during the training ahead due to the intensity of it and the possible geographic mobility.
Sorry to go on a bit but just sharing my thoughts with guys who may be in the same position.
Hopefully our journey through the college shouldn't be as long as some (courses 124 - 128) due to course restructure. I know it's talking way off in the future but it's in NATS interest to get us valid in the best possible time (hard when there is a shortage of ATCO's for OJT when out at the unit)
Well that's the heart on the sleeve bit over haha you won't find me this honest and emotional when we meet in the pub ;0)
I'll be sticking all my furniture into storage, selling the flat and living in Boscombe for a wee bit to really get to know the gang.
Then I'll probably be scoping for an unfurnished flat to get my furniture down and wire in. Is sub letting legal??
yeh Rodan you\'re right. Partick has a few maddies living there but it\'s mainly alright. Lot\'s of students, good people etc. I lived there as a student.
Oh my GOD I\'m becoming a student again.
In addition do you have to pay my favourite tax COUNCIL TAX while you\'re at CATC??
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How many women are there normally per course?
I ask this as a woman myself, are we in a small minority? Any other girls out there starting in March? Any other Mums even, or will I be the only one?
I ask this as a woman myself, are we in a small minority? Any other girls out there starting in March? Any other Mums even, or will I be the only one?
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yep shallow is I
Yep I'm totally shallow and superficial and have decided to pursue a career as an ATCO in NATS to meet women. Yeh right.
I'm interested in what sort of people I'm going to meet. Being a young guy of course I'm interested in what sort of women tend to go for ATC. If it's women from all different types of backgrounds etc.
I was interested in the single mothers thread on here which I read with interest. The fact is it's a male dominated profession 75% male to 25% female.
Why don't you answer the council tax question which would be more constructive instead of making assumptions.
I'm interested in what sort of people I'm going to meet. Being a young guy of course I'm interested in what sort of women tend to go for ATC. If it's women from all different types of backgrounds etc.
I was interested in the single mothers thread on here which I read with interest. The fact is it's a male dominated profession 75% male to 25% female.
Why don't you answer the council tax question which would be more constructive instead of making assumptions.
Last edited by Scotsliveit; 19th Nov 2004 at 10:37.
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Chilled
Hi there, haha yeh I'm chilled. You've got me smilling in the office.
I look forward to meeting you to in March hopefully. haha this is weird that we are begining to meet each other before we actually meet each other.
The excitement's building already.
yeh Council tax. I am no longer smiling in the office
I look forward to meeting you to in March hopefully. haha this is weird that we are begining to meet each other before we actually meet each other.
The excitement's building already.
yeh Council tax. I am no longer smiling in the office
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One possible downside to the shift working is the planning ahead.
No more arranging with your mates on Thursday evening to go out on Friday. That's something that 'real world' friends might have problems understanding. They often can't seem to grasp the fact that when you say you can't, becasue you're working, means you really, really can't; there's no more leave available.
ATCOs are very incestuous (must be all that time off together) and promiscuous; the number of affairs that go on must be above average, as must be the rate of divorce. Also the number of ATCO couples is high.
No more arranging with your mates on Thursday evening to go out on Friday. That's something that 'real world' friends might have problems understanding. They often can't seem to grasp the fact that when you say you can't, becasue you're working, means you really, really can't; there's no more leave available.
ATCOs are very incestuous (must be all that time off together) and promiscuous; the number of affairs that go on must be above average, as must be the rate of divorce. Also the number of ATCO couples is high.
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Selling it
haha promiscious you're selling the job well Gonzo. (joking folks)
Are you serious about this though and do you think the different working environment from the norm is the catalyst for this?
The reason why I'm rolling with you on this one Gonzo is I know an ATC who could be described as this. I'll leave it at that.
Are you serious about this though and do you think the different working environment from the norm is the catalyst for this?
The reason why I'm rolling with you on this one Gonzo is I know an ATC who could be described as this. I'll leave it at that.
Last edited by Scotsliveit; 19th Nov 2004 at 13:14.
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I think one of my concerns about this job is due to the opaque nature of it. i.e you don't know the true nature of the job until you do it.
I'm concerned about sleep patterns. I like my sleep, one of my fave vices it is. I'm alarmed by the idea of doing this job slightly sleepy or with a bit of the cold.
Today I have a bit of a cold in my head so it's affecting my work a bit (plus it's friday) as an ATCO what would the consequencies be I wonder.
I'm concerned about sleep patterns. I like my sleep, one of my fave vices it is. I'm alarmed by the idea of doing this job slightly sleepy or with a bit of the cold.
Today I have a bit of a cold in my head so it's affecting my work a bit (plus it's friday) as an ATCO what would the consequencies be I wonder.
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Yes, I'm serious. As to the whys and wherefores, I have no idea.
Those who know me know my thoughts on it. I would imagine it's a combination of long periods of time off together, long periods at work together and shift work (easier to lie to 'other half'....'yes dear, I've got a night shift tonight!').
Personally I don't have a problem with the sleep patterns, but then I can get by on little sleep. Many of my colleagues have problems sleeping before an early morning shift.
Regarding illness/tiredness 'affecting my work', the simple answer is that you shouldn't be there if that's the case. Take the day off.
Those who know me know my thoughts on it. I would imagine it's a combination of long periods of time off together, long periods at work together and shift work (easier to lie to 'other half'....'yes dear, I've got a night shift tonight!').
Personally I don't have a problem with the sleep patterns, but then I can get by on little sleep. Many of my colleagues have problems sleeping before an early morning shift.
Regarding illness/tiredness 'affecting my work', the simple answer is that you shouldn't be there if that's the case. Take the day off.
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affairs
made me laugh thinking of the earlier quote that ATC is male dominated, 75% male to 25% female, then reading of the affairs. Either there's a couple of slappers around here, or some same bus experimentation going on!
Great job, great life
Great job, great life