NATS interview process
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Most half decent b&b's will either give you access to cooking facilities, fridges, freezers, cupboards for food etc, or cook you a meal every night for free or a small price. Most places on Westby Road were like this. We had full use of kitchen anytime of day, huge living room with telly etc. And as someone has said, you get plenty of mostly edible food at college for lunch.
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Sorry GBman,
Mr and Mrs Aramark refers to the company that does the catering in the college canteen at lunchtimes(open all day actually). It's not gourmet stuff but it is ok and very affordable - you can get a 3 course meal for around £3.50.
With regards to council tax, you can get a form from the CRO that confirms you are in full time edcuation and Bournemouth council accept this as proof of being a student and you don't pay c.tax.
Mr and Mrs Aramark refers to the company that does the catering in the college canteen at lunchtimes(open all day actually). It's not gourmet stuff but it is ok and very affordable - you can get a 3 course meal for around £3.50.
With regards to council tax, you can get a form from the CRO that confirms you are in full time edcuation and Bournemouth council accept this as proof of being a student and you don't pay c.tax.
That would seem to make renting a much more sensible prospect, thanks for the info ss2004 
. I've seen 3 bed houses up for £1100 a month which would make it not much more per person than my student house in Southampton was. Still, i'm aware that this is serious drifting, so i'll silence myself.
(some more serious drifting...
Coat time.)
. I've seen 3 bed houses up for £1100 a month which would make it not much more per person than my student house in Southampton was. Still, i'm aware that this is serious drifting, so i'll silence myself.(some more serious drifting...
Coat time.)
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Ginger, just be warned before committing to renting a place, unless you can get a very flexible lease. Whilst at the college, you might be sent out to a unit at short notice to 'hold'. You don't want to be stuck paying rent for a place in Bournemouth and accommodation costs elsewhere at the same time.
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Is it wrong that in the picture above, I find the rock formation more interesting than the car? I'll try to keep my geologist-inner-being locked away from now on...
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Gingerbreadman...what about renting a room in someone's house? My boyfriend's mum rents hers out (when he's not there I hasten to add!) and she lives in Christchurch. There are loads of people who do it too so you won't necessarily have the hassle of a contract, will py a reasonable amount for rent/keep and it's negotiable. You'd have full use of a kitchen with somewhere to store food if you needed to, although some places do tend to charge a little extra if you wish to use their washing/drying machine etc which is only fair.
If I had a 3 bed place I'd rent a room out to CATC students as I'm only in Christchurch myself. Try flatmateclick.com (or UK??) as they may have something, the noticeboards at the school and word of mouth from graduating students perhaps.
HTH
If I had a 3 bed place I'd rent a room out to CATC students as I'm only in Christchurch myself. Try flatmateclick.com (or UK??) as they may have something, the noticeboards at the school and word of mouth from graduating students perhaps.
HTH
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Gonzo,
Whilst that is true, (especialy these days) most people who can stay with their folks are sent to hold somewhere near there and then ones who are forced to hold a way off have their travel and accomodation paid for.
On a more sombre note, when considering a rental contract, us TATC's need to be aware of the possibility that we could fail the course we're on and be chopped within 3 months
Whilst that is true, (especialy these days) most people who can stay with their folks are sent to hold somewhere near there and then ones who are forced to hold a way off have their travel and accomodation paid for.
On a more sombre note, when considering a rental contract, us TATC's need to be aware of the possibility that we could fail the course we're on and be chopped within 3 months
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ones who are forced to hold a way off have their travel and accomodation paid for.
I won't be starting until April anyway Gonzo, so i'm not on the brink of signing any contracts. Thanks for the warning though, I hadn't factored that in. Likewise Snelly, the thought of being chopped is something i'll have to allow for (
).
As for the car - as something to look at I think i'd side with the geology comment. As for something to do myself, i'll take the rally car to go.
).As for the car - as something to look at I think i'd side with the geology comment. As for something to do myself, i'll take the rally car to go.
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some questions from a newbee...
Hi All,
Firstly, a BIG thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. It has been a huge help to me over the last 4 months, having just been told that I've made it!
This is my first post, not wanting to jinx anything but feel safe to do so now!
Anyway, I just have a few questions I'm hoping y'all can help me with...
1. I, like others, have been asked to start at the college in April (much sooner than I thought!). I was told that both Area and the airports have asked for a much bigger quota this year which accounts for the apparently big course. Should this concern me? I mean, is it likely to mean less one on one time given there will be more students for each instructor etc? Does that equate to an overall lower chance of passing? Hmmm...
2. Area or Aerodrome? Having visited EGCC several times now, I would give anything to work on the Aerodrome side. I know that everyone says this and there's never enough spaces for all that want to do it, but is there anything you can do to sway your odds here?
3. Are all the courses the same or do they have more area- or aerodrome-based courses throughout the year? I know about the basic + 3 months (aerodrome) or +6 months (area) but just wondered if particular start dates leant towards either side?
4. The dreaded medicals. I've been told I've passed the NATS medical, and that I also need a CAA Class 1 medical. The HR lady said that this shouldn't be an issue and they usually organise a coach to take a load of us down to Gatwick one day from college (never heard of that before, anyone else?). It's just, I'd like to get all that stuff sorted before leaving my current job and starting at Hurn. Would be nice to know that it definitely was in the bag and I'm not dreaming!
Sorry for such a big post. Things are moving quite fast right now! Would appreciate any guidance.
Thanks and good luck to those currently in the process...keep going and remain determined!
gc4atco
Firstly, a BIG thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread. It has been a huge help to me over the last 4 months, having just been told that I've made it!
This is my first post, not wanting to jinx anything but feel safe to do so now!
Anyway, I just have a few questions I'm hoping y'all can help me with...
1. I, like others, have been asked to start at the college in April (much sooner than I thought!). I was told that both Area and the airports have asked for a much bigger quota this year which accounts for the apparently big course. Should this concern me? I mean, is it likely to mean less one on one time given there will be more students for each instructor etc? Does that equate to an overall lower chance of passing? Hmmm...
2. Area or Aerodrome? Having visited EGCC several times now, I would give anything to work on the Aerodrome side. I know that everyone says this and there's never enough spaces for all that want to do it, but is there anything you can do to sway your odds here?
3. Are all the courses the same or do they have more area- or aerodrome-based courses throughout the year? I know about the basic + 3 months (aerodrome) or +6 months (area) but just wondered if particular start dates leant towards either side?
4. The dreaded medicals. I've been told I've passed the NATS medical, and that I also need a CAA Class 1 medical. The HR lady said that this shouldn't be an issue and they usually organise a coach to take a load of us down to Gatwick one day from college (never heard of that before, anyone else?). It's just, I'd like to get all that stuff sorted before leaving my current job and starting at Hurn. Would be nice to know that it definitely was in the bag and I'm not dreaming!
Sorry for such a big post. Things are moving quite fast right now! Would appreciate any guidance.
Thanks and good luck to those currently in the process...keep going and remain determined!
gc4atco
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Hey gc4atco,
Firstly many congratulations!
Can I ask when you passed the 3rd stage and attended the medical? I attended my 3rd stage on 22 November and passed medical 2 days ago but have not heard anything about start dates! Maybe I am just being too eager
Firstly many congratulations!
Can I ask when you passed the 3rd stage and attended the medical? I attended my 3rd stage on 22 November and passed medical 2 days ago but have not heard anything about start dates! Maybe I am just being too eager
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thanks all.
actowannabe - I did my 3rd stage around when you did and medical also. I wouldn't worry though - HR are very busy with the January start group so they tell me. If in doubt give them a call, or a message on through the recruitment tool.
Best of luck CJayne!
actowannabe - I did my 3rd stage around when you did and medical also. I wouldn't worry though - HR are very busy with the January start group so they tell me. If in doubt give them a call, or a message on through the recruitment tool.
Best of luck CJayne!
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Stage 1
I attended my first stage yesterday. Not what I expected. There must have been about 25 of us there. Because, like others, I got there an hour early, I got a decent sofa seat in the waiting room. I strongly advise others going for their stage one to get there early to get a comfy seat.
I'd travelled there the previous day (sunday) and asked reception where I was expected to present myself on the day. The receptionist had never heard of NATS
so I assumed she was a weekender. The next day they sounded more informed and directed me to the second floor. Each floor, it turns out, has a little reception desk, and waiting area where we all were.
We were split into two groups. Mine attended a small talk by Steve and Mike, both experienced ATCOs where you have the opportunity to listen to what ATC is like from the horse’s mouth and ask as many questions as you wish within 45mins. This isn’t assessed as goes a lot quicker than I would have liked. But then again, had it been left up to me, I’d have talked to them all day. Besides, since I had already visited Heathrow tower and Swanwick centre and had read through MATS part-1 50 times, I pretty much knew everything that had been said
. They even showed us a tabulated printout of the salary we can expect to get throughout our careers. Turns out, I already have this too, LOL 
. You’ll need to subtly steer the conversation that way and ask for it when you visit Swanwick if you want a copy.
I’m thankful I did this part before the tests as it helped me to relax. The most important thing you could do to help yourself, I found, was to relax. That’s why you need to get there early and talk to the other applicants to help ease the tension. Also, drink lots (of water, cheeky) and don’t expect to finish the tests. You won’t. Not only is it difficult, but I’m pretty sure it’s impossible.
Next I did the motivation test followed by the personality questionnaire (don’t want to call it a test). I have to say, I was very disappointed with the test. I had learned the motivation paper given to us back to front, including the data about the aircraft IN ITS ENTIRETY. And it turns out it is only there to give us the gist about aircraft. Never mind, I don’t regret having prepared so thoroughly. Unfortunately, I read in previous threads that all the answers are in the motivation paper. This isn’t entirely true. You’ll need to prepare for speed/distance/time questions and distance estimation questions on top of the preparation material. Nowhere in the text did it say what the distance between London and New-York is. I’m sorry, I’m ranting. If you must know, it’s because I know I’ve got that question wrong, lol
! This part is timed (40 questions/18 minutes). I finish with plenty of time to spare. PREPARE!
Next came the personality questionnaire. 40 questions, not timed. I was the last to finish. Not very pleasant. Questions repeat themselves and you’re expected to be black or white. Either you are obsessed with past mistakes unable to move on, or you can’t stop looking ahead, never focussing on the task at hand. And if you choose a balance, you can then be accused of lying. They ask you to be as honest “as possible”. I’m sure that is because they know it’s not possible to be honest given the options you’re given.
A short coffee break.
Then comes the REAL testing tests by a psychologist. First a basic checking test. Find which numbers on the left matches the one on the right. (40 questions/5 minutes). Speed and accuracy conflict here. Sounds easy but as the test goes on the numbers get longer and longer. Then another identical test but with letters instead of numbers. I’m a physics graduate and I got through 75% of it. The banking guy next to me did just as badly. Or just as well. Half full or half empty? Lol.
Then that diagram test shown in the preparation material. Except all the “commands” were different and there were about ten of them. Again, the test start easy and progressively becomes your worst nightmare. If you don’t hear from me again, I’m pretty sure it’s because of this part.
Finally, the cube thing. Three cubes laid out flat. Each one laid out differently and each one comes with a set of 20 questions with examples of other 3D cubes. You have to say which, if any, of the choices correspond to the flat cube. Not only are the two last cubes not laid out in the traditional cross shape but one cube had two identical sides and the 3D cubes towards the end were also rotated so you had to (in your head) rotate the entire flat cube in your head before (in your head) folding it together. Only to work out that none of the cubes correspond.
Then you go home. You get the results in about 15 working days. It’s tough. I suggest taking the following day off work as well, like I did. And drink a mug of hot chocolate.
Any questions?
Sorry for such a long post but I like being thorough and I thought it needed updating.
I'd travelled there the previous day (sunday) and asked reception where I was expected to present myself on the day. The receptionist had never heard of NATS
so I assumed she was a weekender. The next day they sounded more informed and directed me to the second floor. Each floor, it turns out, has a little reception desk, and waiting area where we all were. We were split into two groups. Mine attended a small talk by Steve and Mike, both experienced ATCOs where you have the opportunity to listen to what ATC is like from the horse’s mouth and ask as many questions as you wish within 45mins. This isn’t assessed as goes a lot quicker than I would have liked. But then again, had it been left up to me, I’d have talked to them all day. Besides, since I had already visited Heathrow tower and Swanwick centre and had read through MATS part-1 50 times, I pretty much knew everything that had been said
. They even showed us a tabulated printout of the salary we can expect to get throughout our careers. Turns out, I already have this too, LOL . You’ll need to subtly steer the conversation that way and ask for it when you visit Swanwick if you want a copy.I’m thankful I did this part before the tests as it helped me to relax. The most important thing you could do to help yourself, I found, was to relax. That’s why you need to get there early and talk to the other applicants to help ease the tension. Also, drink lots (of water, cheeky) and don’t expect to finish the tests. You won’t. Not only is it difficult, but I’m pretty sure it’s impossible.
Next I did the motivation test followed by the personality questionnaire (don’t want to call it a test). I have to say, I was very disappointed with the test. I had learned the motivation paper given to us back to front, including the data about the aircraft IN ITS ENTIRETY. And it turns out it is only there to give us the gist about aircraft. Never mind, I don’t regret having prepared so thoroughly. Unfortunately, I read in previous threads that all the answers are in the motivation paper. This isn’t entirely true. You’ll need to prepare for speed/distance/time questions and distance estimation questions on top of the preparation material. Nowhere in the text did it say what the distance between London and New-York is. I’m sorry, I’m ranting. If you must know, it’s because I know I’ve got that question wrong, lol
! This part is timed (40 questions/18 minutes). I finish with plenty of time to spare. PREPARE!Next came the personality questionnaire. 40 questions, not timed. I was the last to finish. Not very pleasant. Questions repeat themselves and you’re expected to be black or white. Either you are obsessed with past mistakes unable to move on, or you can’t stop looking ahead, never focussing on the task at hand. And if you choose a balance, you can then be accused of lying. They ask you to be as honest “as possible”. I’m sure that is because they know it’s not possible to be honest given the options you’re given.
A short coffee break.
Then comes the REAL testing tests by a psychologist. First a basic checking test. Find which numbers on the left matches the one on the right. (40 questions/5 minutes). Speed and accuracy conflict here. Sounds easy but as the test goes on the numbers get longer and longer. Then another identical test but with letters instead of numbers. I’m a physics graduate and I got through 75% of it. The banking guy next to me did just as badly. Or just as well. Half full or half empty? Lol.
Then that diagram test shown in the preparation material. Except all the “commands” were different and there were about ten of them. Again, the test start easy and progressively becomes your worst nightmare. If you don’t hear from me again, I’m pretty sure it’s because of this part.
Finally, the cube thing. Three cubes laid out flat. Each one laid out differently and each one comes with a set of 20 questions with examples of other 3D cubes. You have to say which, if any, of the choices correspond to the flat cube. Not only are the two last cubes not laid out in the traditional cross shape but one cube had two identical sides and the 3D cubes towards the end were also rotated so you had to (in your head) rotate the entire flat cube in your head before (in your head) folding it together. Only to work out that none of the cubes correspond.
Then you go home. You get the results in about 15 working days. It’s tough. I suggest taking the following day off work as well, like I did. And drink a mug of hot chocolate.
Any questions?
Sorry for such a long post but I like being thorough and I thought it needed updating.
Last edited by Amenhotep; 8th Jan 2008 at 13:04. Reason: Typos.
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4. The dreaded medicals. I've been told I've passed the NATS medical, and that I also need a CAA Class 1 medical. The HR lady said that this shouldn't be an issue and they usually organise a coach to take a load of us down to Gatwick one day from college (never heard of that before, anyone else?). It's just, I'd like to get all that stuff sorted before leaving my current job and starting at Hurn. Would be nice to know that it definitely was in the bag and I'm not dreaming!
So I panicked and got a CAA booking the next week! Went down to Gatwick, went through the same again, the CAA Doctor said absolutely no problems, gave me a certificate and sent me on my way. He also stated about NATS high medical standards.
So if NATS are happy for you to start without getting your CAA class one you must be fighting fit and really impressed them at your Swanwick medical!
See you in April!! (reading here I guess the March course is now April!!!)
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Great post Amenhotep. Your experiences and thoughts are very similar to mine. The process hasn't changed since I did it in June, but I failed and am waiting til I can reapply. Hopefully you'll get through! Not sure where I went wrong, probably the cubes.
I'd be interested to know how you get on.
Good luck!
I'd be interested to know how you get on.
Good luck!
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I heard from chatting to an HR employee at my 3rd stage (after I had finished!), that the biggest thing that people fail at stage 1 is the number/letter checking test. I was saying surely it was the cubes and code tests, but no, statistically she said it was the numbers and letters test.
Intriguing!
Intriguing!