NATS ATCO at 18
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261A
I applied for NATS when I was 17. Decided to go to University first. Worked the first year out (as part of the degree) at Short Bros, and hated it. Decided that Uni was not for me so joined NATS and never looked back.
Most of the ATCOs on my course were of various backgrounds, some with degrees, others with just GCSEs. The most important thing was that it didn't matter what qualification they had as to whether ot not they could make it as a controller.
IMHO it is much better to start training asap with no baggage whatsoever...i.e. huge debt from uni, wife kids etc as you need to give it 100%.
I personally would sacrifice the free accomadation, as the craic round Bournemouth with the other students on your course will be more memorable than any other time of your life!
I have been with NATS now 16 years and don't regret it for a moment. You will always get others slagging it off, but compared to the terms and conditions of service that my wife and others I know get, it is second to none.
Good luck
I applied for NATS when I was 17. Decided to go to University first. Worked the first year out (as part of the degree) at Short Bros, and hated it. Decided that Uni was not for me so joined NATS and never looked back.
Most of the ATCOs on my course were of various backgrounds, some with degrees, others with just GCSEs. The most important thing was that it didn't matter what qualification they had as to whether ot not they could make it as a controller.
IMHO it is much better to start training asap with no baggage whatsoever...i.e. huge debt from uni, wife kids etc as you need to give it 100%.
I personally would sacrifice the free accomadation, as the craic round Bournemouth with the other students on your course will be more memorable than any other time of your life!
I have been with NATS now 16 years and don't regret it for a moment. You will always get others slagging it off, but compared to the terms and conditions of service that my wife and others I know get, it is second to none.
Good luck
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Hi,
Just thought I'd add a few comments. Hope they help. I completed college training last year and am now working at Swanwick as an Area controller. So the whole application, interview and college training process is still fresh in my mind.
NATS won't have any problem accepting you at 18. Going to university is certainly not required as far as the qualifications process is concerned, attitude is more important. They are looking for individuals who like working to rules (creative arty-people tend to come unstuck at the personality questionnaire/interview stage) and can think logically, but quickly. Knowledge of air traffic control is not necessary at the interview stage, they give you handouts and you just cram before the interview. It's also difficult to learn the basics of ATC unless you have access to a copy of MATS Part 1. They'll teach you all you need to know when you get to college.
One of the main reasons people fail at college is maturity. You'd be amazed at the immaturity of some students in their mid to late 20s. But as long as you're mature enough to take criticism without petulent outbursts, you'll be fine. Very few people breeze through the college courses, and only 1 of 2 individuals per course will waltz through unscathed. Be prepared to have knock backs along the way, but take the hits and learn from them. It'll make you a stronger person and more determined to succeed.
Anyway, good luck.
Just thought I'd add a few comments. Hope they help. I completed college training last year and am now working at Swanwick as an Area controller. So the whole application, interview and college training process is still fresh in my mind.
NATS won't have any problem accepting you at 18. Going to university is certainly not required as far as the qualifications process is concerned, attitude is more important. They are looking for individuals who like working to rules (creative arty-people tend to come unstuck at the personality questionnaire/interview stage) and can think logically, but quickly. Knowledge of air traffic control is not necessary at the interview stage, they give you handouts and you just cram before the interview. It's also difficult to learn the basics of ATC unless you have access to a copy of MATS Part 1. They'll teach you all you need to know when you get to college.
One of the main reasons people fail at college is maturity. You'd be amazed at the immaturity of some students in their mid to late 20s. But as long as you're mature enough to take criticism without petulent outbursts, you'll be fine. Very few people breeze through the college courses, and only 1 of 2 individuals per course will waltz through unscathed. Be prepared to have knock backs along the way, but take the hits and learn from them. It'll make you a stronger person and more determined to succeed.
Anyway, good luck.
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Ohcirrej
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Re: NATS ATCO at 18
Hi 261a
Reference MATS Part 1, I wouldn't get all bent out of shape trying to study it before starting. If you're really keen it's nice to know some things from Section 1 like there are Approach, Area and Aerodrome controllers, that there are different types of airspace and different types of separation applied (vertical, lateral and longitudinal) and alike, but I can't see you being asked things like a definition for CAVOK or separation standards applied using VOR/DME/TACAN. But be careful, if you were to start "jargon dropping", talking about things like RAS/RIS or RVSM etc in an interview, be prepared to be asked to extrapolate a little...........chances are the interviewer doesn't know much about them either
Reference MATS Part 1, I wouldn't get all bent out of shape trying to study it before starting. If you're really keen it's nice to know some things from Section 1 like there are Approach, Area and Aerodrome controllers, that there are different types of airspace and different types of separation applied (vertical, lateral and longitudinal) and alike, but I can't see you being asked things like a definition for CAVOK or separation standards applied using VOR/DME/TACAN. But be careful, if you were to start "jargon dropping", talking about things like RAS/RIS or RVSM etc in an interview, be prepared to be asked to extrapolate a little...........chances are the interviewer doesn't know much about them either
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Along the same subject as my original post, I will be 18 in March and I will be applying with the minimum qualifications required.
I know that it doesn't make you any better than any other applicant whether you have a degree(s) or not because it is how you do in the aptitude tests (correct me if I am wrong) but do NATS pick up on how far you have taken your education and could they or do they hold this against you?
I know that it doesn't make you any better than any other applicant whether you have a degree(s) or not because it is how you do in the aptitude tests (correct me if I am wrong) but do NATS pick up on how far you have taken your education and could they or do they hold this against you?
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261A,
So long as you meet the eligibility criteria and are successful at the aptitude tests and interviews then you will be offered a place at the college regardless of you age.
You may be asked some questions during interview to determine if they feel you are a "mature enough" 18 year old.
So long as you meet the eligibility criteria and are successful at the aptitude tests and interviews then you will be offered a place at the college regardless of you age.
You may be asked some questions during interview to determine if they feel you are a "mature enough" 18 year old.
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Can I also ask - NATS site says
'have competed a period of post-GCSE study at higher level through to the
examination, for example, 2 A Levels/3 Highers, a GNVQ advanced level or
equivalent, or be in your final year of study'.
Does this mean that the A Levels or highers can be any grade just as you have completed them to the exam?
Cheers
'have competed a period of post-GCSE study at higher level through to the
examination, for example, 2 A Levels/3 Highers, a GNVQ advanced level or
equivalent, or be in your final year of study'.
Does this mean that the A Levels or highers can be any grade just as you have completed them to the exam?
Cheers
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Originally Posted by 261A
I heard somewhere on the forums that the college in Hurn is moving in 2008?
Nice to see these posts. Im 18, at college, and have got my selection tests next month.
It's useful to see what is actually involved with the layout of the day, so thank-you to all who have provided information!
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261A
If you still don't want to go Area, and don't want to be too far away from Surrey, maybe NATS isn't for you.
You are disqualifying yourself from 75% of NATS vacancies, and they will put you where they need you, which maybe isn't where you want to be.
If they even get a whiff of you wanting to quit if you don't get the posting you want [like some have recently] they will not invest the many thousands of pounds in your training that hiring you would commit them to. [I don't think that was very good English. I should have passed me A-Level...]
I'd put some effort into those A-Levels if I were you. NATS will still be there after you graduate and you may have matured sufficiently to accept that if you want to work in ATC you will need to go where the work is. Or you may decide that having a degree has opened up new avenues of employment that make NATS look less attractive.
The College is moving - at some point between 2008 and 2014. It is probably going to the vicinity of Swanwick. If you were to apply in March, you would be long gone from Hurn before any move happens.
If you still don't want to go Area, and don't want to be too far away from Surrey, maybe NATS isn't for you.
You are disqualifying yourself from 75% of NATS vacancies, and they will put you where they need you, which maybe isn't where you want to be.
If they even get a whiff of you wanting to quit if you don't get the posting you want [like some have recently] they will not invest the many thousands of pounds in your training that hiring you would commit them to. [I don't think that was very good English. I should have passed me A-Level...]
I'd put some effort into those A-Levels if I were you. NATS will still be there after you graduate and you may have matured sufficiently to accept that if you want to work in ATC you will need to go where the work is. Or you may decide that having a degree has opened up new avenues of employment that make NATS look less attractive.
The College is moving - at some point between 2008 and 2014. It is probably going to the vicinity of Swanwick. If you were to apply in March, you would be long gone from Hurn before any move happens.
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Dances with Boffins
I have changed my opinion very much so since I originally placed my thread here.
I don't mind where I get posted, whether area/aerodrome/approach or where such as Swanwick, West Drayton or elsewhere.
Also no hope of becoming an ATCO if I hate area as much as I used to and seeing as it is the top of the pay scale can't rule it out + 80% of the trainees get sent to Swanwick as far as I know so again, have to get used to the idea of being in area.
Thanks for your concern!
Sounds interesting about the college moving though, why was it placed next to Bournemouth Airport anyway? Not very accessible by public transport, hopefully if it is moved closer to Swanwick, it will be more accessible!
I have changed my opinion very much so since I originally placed my thread here.
I don't mind where I get posted, whether area/aerodrome/approach or where such as Swanwick, West Drayton or elsewhere.
Also no hope of becoming an ATCO if I hate area as much as I used to and seeing as it is the top of the pay scale can't rule it out + 80% of the trainees get sent to Swanwick as far as I know so again, have to get used to the idea of being in area.
Thanks for your concern!
Sounds interesting about the college moving though, why was it placed next to Bournemouth Airport anyway? Not very accessible by public transport, hopefully if it is moved closer to Swanwick, it will be more accessible!
