NATS interview process
Join Date: Apr 2010
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Hi T6MCX,
I've got my stage 1 coming up and just wanted to know, am i correct in assuming that there are 4 tests, 2 first and if you pass the next 2?
numeracy test
ATC
Spatial reasoning
Diagrammatic
Is this right? Also are all the maths questions on s/d/t or are there any others? Just so I know what to brush up on.
The ATC paper is that the same as the motivation paper and what does it include?
Any advice would be great.
Good luck with the results.
I've got my stage 1 coming up and just wanted to know, am i correct in assuming that there are 4 tests, 2 first and if you pass the next 2?
numeracy test
ATC
Spatial reasoning
Diagrammatic
Is this right? Also are all the maths questions on s/d/t or are there any others? Just so I know what to brush up on.
The ATC paper is that the same as the motivation paper and what does it include?
Any advice would be great.
Good luck with the results.
Join Date: Apr 2010
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T6MCX: Think I was on Stage 1 with you, whereabouts were you from? Q503: You're absolutely right. I think there were a few fuel burn questions in one of the papers but it's essentially all multiple choice SDT. And yes, the ATC paper is the motivation paper and was a piece of cake.
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No problem and thanks The cubes start off fine and become... well, I don't want to put you off, but you'll see! My advice is find some on The Internets and practice like hell 
The cubes start off fine and become... well, I don't want to put you off, but you'll see! My advice is find some on The Internets and practice like hell
Join Date: Jan 2010
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I have failed at 3rd stage, just found out today.
Wouldn't want any one to find out failing at this stage nd feel what I feel now, hope u all do great!
Best of luck, it' s not easy!
Wouldn't want any one to find out failing at this stage nd feel what I feel now, hope u all do great!
Best of luck, it' s not easy!
Join Date: Feb 2009
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Toomek
Sorry to hear the news, i know how you feel, i failed at stage 3 last time but have one last go at it this year. Contact HR soon and get your feedback as to what you need to improve on for next time. They should give you a detailed response on each criteria and think about your responses for next year. I took some comfort that not that many people get to stage 3 which in itself is a great achievement. If you put the same effort in next year you should pass stage 1 and 2 again.
Good luck for next year and i would strongly suggest that you try again. HR actually told me its worth me applying again, which is nice to hear !!!
Good luck for next year and i would strongly suggest that you try again. HR actually told me its worth me applying again, which is nice to hear !!!
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
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Stage 2
Sat Stage 2 yesterday, finished all tests by about 1540... Got an email this morning at 0920 inviting me to Stage 3! Absolutely chuffed ;p
killua - I did what the other guys in the main seemed to have done: revised basic arithmetic (this is a cracking site: That Quiz - Math Test Activities - you can scale the difficulty too), spent ages playing unfamiliar flash puzzle games (mouse and/or keyboard based), and researched as much as I could from this forum. I always like to be prepared, but there are different types of preparation: my prep for this was purely psychological - I knew I couldn't confidently walk into the assessment centre without having felt that I had done something by way of revision.
Try and get a good night's sleep beforehand too! I was in a Travelodge, and got kept awake by noisy neighbours and squeaky car alarms, but what you gonna do. Drink plenty of water - lubricates the brain haha and there are plenty of toilet opportunities!
Hope everybody I met yesterday has got through too!
killua - I did what the other guys in the main seemed to have done: revised basic arithmetic (this is a cracking site: That Quiz - Math Test Activities - you can scale the difficulty too), spent ages playing unfamiliar flash puzzle games (mouse and/or keyboard based), and researched as much as I could from this forum. I always like to be prepared, but there are different types of preparation: my prep for this was purely psychological - I knew I couldn't confidently walk into the assessment centre without having felt that I had done something by way of revision.
Try and get a good night's sleep beforehand too! I was in a Travelodge, and got kept awake by noisy neighbours and squeaky car alarms, but what you gonna do. Drink plenty of water - lubricates the brain haha and there are plenty of toilet opportunities!
Hope everybody I met yesterday has got through too!
Join Date: Apr 2010
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cubes
agree, after cracking the 90 degrees trick in all 11 possible shapes, cubes are the easieast of the 4 parts in S1. Took me a month after looking at them how they can be reshaped.
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Cubes
Havent found out yet which patterns of the 11 (http://unfolding.apperceptual.com/figure2.gif). Cross is for sure. My advice, cut 6 squares out your notepad, scotch tape them and make the cross pattern. In each of the 6 sides, draw a random symbol, letter or anything really, just so as to know what each of the 6 sides have. Ideally 6 different symbols in each side. As you may see from the test materials you ve been sent. you can see the folded cube. you can see 3 sides, the front the upper and the right. Now try to fold the cross into a cube. Always choosing as reference the front side (not the upper or right) you will observe that the others squares that are being folded in order to give you the cube, depending how far they are from your front side they will rotate 90,180,270 and 360 degrees when they attach their "new" side. Before posting that, I have gone through it, and literally it doesnt make any sense....but cut the squares, tape them, draw the symbols in each side spend 10 minutes, and read the thread once more. Let me know if that worked.
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T6MCX - I'm from southeast England, was wearing a suit with a purple tie... don't think I met you on the day but if we make it to Stage 2, PM me your name and I'll say hi!
Join Date: Feb 2010
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Hey there, I'm 16 at the moment and hoping to apply to NATS to become and ATCO. I'm just wondering if anyone has any recomendations. The guy I spoke to at a career's fare from NATS said lots of young people come in and just don't have the life experiance to receive critisism and give up after doubting themselves so suggested I left it untill I gained some life experiance. So do you thing a Uni Bsc Degree in Aerospace systems would be an advantage? I'd be 22 when I finished so would this be better than going in asap at 18?
Cheers!
Cheers!
Join Date: Apr 2010
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Honestly I would go through uni. I know I'm saying that because it's what I've done but there are so many positives to it.
The life experience it brings of being away from home.
The academic achievement.
The social life. Probably the most important factor. It's enjoyable and at a young age that's a huge positive.
Something to fall back on in your degree. Gives you far more options if things don't work out as planned.
The life experience it brings of being away from home.
The academic achievement.
The social life. Probably the most important factor. It's enjoyable and at a young age that's a huge positive.
Something to fall back on in your degree. Gives you far more options if things don't work out as planned.
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Go to uni, as your degree may help you get accepted for NATS selection, and will allow you to apply for more jobs. But the one thing I will say is do your research and pick a decent university.
Join Date: Feb 2010
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I would add that the subject matter is irrelevant; I have a Music degree which included a high level of critical and analytical study which have been generally invaluable. Doing a BSc might be handy for an ATCO role within NATS, it might not.
In general, my advice to people considering going to uni is that they pick either an open-ended course that encourages a high level of creative critical and analytical thought and keeps career options open, or a trade-specific degree such as Engineering that will (more or less) guarantee you a job at the other end.
In general, my advice to people considering going to uni is that they pick either an open-ended course that encourages a high level of creative critical and analytical thought and keeps career options open, or a trade-specific degree such as Engineering that will (more or less) guarantee you a job at the other end.
Join Date: Jan 2010
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Hammerthrower….
After reading the last few posts, I just wanted to add my experiences of going through education to where I am now..
I did not go to university as I was quick to identify I wanted to be an air traffic controller half way through college. After doing a bit of research, there was no obvious course that would guarantee me a place at the ATCC in Bournemouth..Therefore I thought, whats the point?
I would never knock anyone who attends uni and obtains a degree however if your goal in life is to be ATCO and you are determined not to fail, then don’t delay your career learning or studying something your not interested in..
I completed my A levels and have recently passed stage 3…Result !!
A lot of my friends went to Uni and don’t get me wrong, they had a awesome time!! However a lot of them are not in the same position I am now AKA the right path to achieving what they want in life!
So far, my life experience has been achieved though travelling the States, exploring Europe, climbing a couple of mountains and experiencing other failures and successes in life..they were not experienced going through uni...
If you want to be ATCO, got for it when your good and ready but remember, even if you were to attend Uni and get a 2:1 in whatever subject…you would still be required to sit the exams set my NATS..
Hope this broadens your view..
Cheers
After reading the last few posts, I just wanted to add my experiences of going through education to where I am now..
I did not go to university as I was quick to identify I wanted to be an air traffic controller half way through college. After doing a bit of research, there was no obvious course that would guarantee me a place at the ATCC in Bournemouth..Therefore I thought, whats the point?
I would never knock anyone who attends uni and obtains a degree however if your goal in life is to be ATCO and you are determined not to fail, then don’t delay your career learning or studying something your not interested in..
I completed my A levels and have recently passed stage 3…Result !!
A lot of my friends went to Uni and don’t get me wrong, they had a awesome time!! However a lot of them are not in the same position I am now AKA the right path to achieving what they want in life!
So far, my life experience has been achieved though travelling the States, exploring Europe, climbing a couple of mountains and experiencing other failures and successes in life..they were not experienced going through uni...
If you want to be ATCO, got for it when your good and ready but remember, even if you were to attend Uni and get a 2:1 in whatever subject…you would still be required to sit the exams set my NATS..
Hope this broadens your view..
Cheers