NATS interview process
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Bicester
Initial on-line test.
Hello all, thank God I've found you!
I've been trawling the internet for a while trying to find some useful information on atco assessment and training and this forum is the best so far.
I am waiting to put in my first application to NATS but, as you're all aware, they've frozen recruitment and I need to wait for an announcement sometime before Christmas.
In the meantime I've already started using brain training software, looking at options like the FEAST training software and just generally getting my head around all the information that's out there about stages 1, 2 and 3 of the selection process. What I haven't been able to find out about is the on-line test I will have to take when I initially apply.
Can anyone shed any light on it for me? I know it's not meant to be something you study for but I wouldn't mind having a little heads up.
Any thoughts or comments much appreciated.
I've been trawling the internet for a while trying to find some useful information on atco assessment and training and this forum is the best so far.
I am waiting to put in my first application to NATS but, as you're all aware, they've frozen recruitment and I need to wait for an announcement sometime before Christmas.
In the meantime I've already started using brain training software, looking at options like the FEAST training software and just generally getting my head around all the information that's out there about stages 1, 2 and 3 of the selection process. What I haven't been able to find out about is the on-line test I will have to take when I initially apply.
Can anyone shed any light on it for me? I know it's not meant to be something you study for but I wouldn't mind having a little heads up.
Any thoughts or comments much appreciated.
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 559
Likes: 33
From: looking out of the window
Yes, I was asked about family (I had wife/kids). Or I may have brought it up.
Anyway I told them the truth, that i had a partner and she was supportive. I don't think being in a relationship (or not) affects your suitability for training.
Whatever your situation, just be honest. If you try to fool them, you are really just fooling yourself and setting your self up for a fall. Recruitment is stringent because the training is tough and NATS know what they are looking for and have a good reason for the criteria
Anyway I told them the truth, that i had a partner and she was supportive. I don't think being in a relationship (or not) affects your suitability for training.
Whatever your situation, just be honest. If you try to fool them, you are really just fooling yourself and setting your self up for a fall. Recruitment is stringent because the training is tough and NATS know what they are looking for and have a good reason for the criteria
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: London
I wasn't asked directly but since they said at interview there would be a long wait (some 12+ months) until I get posted, they asked what am I gonna do, so I said I'll spend some extra time with my other half since I won't have so much time for him when I start the college. They just laughed
Whatever they ask you say what you're comfortable with them knowing about your personal life.
Whatever they ask you say what you're comfortable with them knowing about your personal life.
Last edited by Deltacat13; 18th October 2011 at 18:49.
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Hull
Deltacat13:
I thought I was starting the 230 course in January, but that date was only provisional. 230 has been moved back to April/May now. So we've got a little longer to wait! Have you definitely been allocated to 230?
And has anybody else for that matter?
I thought I was starting the 230 course in January, but that date was only provisional. 230 has been moved back to April/May now. So we've got a little longer to wait! Have you definitely been allocated to 230?
And has anybody else for that matter?
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: London
SALH:
Interesting. I didn't get a provisional date, I got a provisional posting, thought that was different. Were you emailed with this information? Are you doing Area or Aerodrome 230?
Interesting. I didn't get a provisional date, I got a provisional posting, thought that was different. Were you emailed with this information? Are you doing Area or Aerodrome 230?
Last edited by Deltacat13; 19th October 2011 at 16:19.
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Hull
Deltacat13:
Erm I don't think they're different, I don't see why they would be or what the difference is.
Well I was eventually yes, it took an awful lot of communication before I got anything back but obviously I received an email in the end letting me know.
My preference is to do Aerodrome, though from 2012 (i.e. course 230 onwards) all trainees complete a basic course together THEN they are separated into Area or Aerodrome after that. Assuming we do both start 230 in April/May, we will study the same basic course before branching!
Erm I don't think they're different, I don't see why they would be or what the difference is.
Well I was eventually yes, it took an awful lot of communication before I got anything back but obviously I received an email in the end letting me know.
My preference is to do Aerodrome, though from 2012 (i.e. course 230 onwards) all trainees complete a basic course together THEN they are separated into Area or Aerodrome after that. Assuming we do both start 230 in April/May, we will study the same basic course before branching!
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Home away from home
Intresting, isn't that a step back towards the old training system? I have a faint memory that a few years ago you started doing aerodrome, then some went on to approach and then from approach some went on to radar.
And you not been posted yet?
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Home away from home
Considering I just had the flu and been home all week, so no I don't feel too healthy 
I mailed them and they said that my planned start date is in August next year. As for preferences it seems they've changed it (like someone said a few posts back) so that everyone goes to a basic course and then the college decides "based on business need".
I mailed them and they said that my planned start date is in August next year. As for preferences it seems they've changed it (like someone said a few posts back) so that everyone goes to a basic course and then the college decides "based on business need".
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: London
Yeah I know, that's a bummer. I mean not everyone got their first choice before but at least you knew from the beginning of the course what you were gonna end up doing... It's nice for you to know so far ahead, it gives you a chance to plan a bit, I was only given 3 mnths, rush rush rush.
Hope you feel well soon then
Hope you feel well soon then
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: Home away from home
Yeah it's good to have an idea of when it will be, it was pretty much when I guessed though based on the waiting time they told me I could expect.
Will be intresting to here from people how this new way with a joint basic course is working out and how it affects peoples preferences.
Will be intresting to here from people how this new way with a joint basic course is working out and how it affects peoples preferences.
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: AFRICA
maths
Hi, just a quick question, about the maths test, are the problems set with 3 variables or 2?. I guess 1 is way to easy. Excusme me for my ignorance, but 3 variables is the maximum that can be mathematically set, right?. Thanks
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: AFRICA
q'
A train can travel 50% faster than a car. Both start from point A at the same time and reach point B 75 kms away from A at the same time. On the way, however, the train lost about 12.5 minutes while stopping at the stations. The speed of the car is:
[A]. 100 kmph[B]. 110 kmph[C]. 120 kmph
[D]. 130 kmph Answer: Option C
Can anybody explain WHY it is 120 please?. Thanks
[A]. 100 kmph[B]. 110 kmph[C]. 120 kmph
[D]. 130 kmph Answer: Option CCan anybody explain WHY it is 120 please?. Thanks
