NATS interview process
Join Date: Jun 2009
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many a failed promise.. and I still want to work for this company?
Trust me - it doesn't get much better once you're in. Apart from doing a fairly interesting job and being well paid (for now..if they find a way to get computers to do it, they will. And believe me they are working on it!)
The aviation bubble is running flat and I'm not entirely sure if it's going to pick up in the near future. Probably more likely to dip further before it goes up again.
Historically, pilots were the chosen ones. Over the decades they've gone from rockstar status to glorified bus drivers to being just a cost to airlines!
I see the same happening with ATC. In the past higher demand for air traffic generated shortage of ATCOs and therefore the great working T&Cs we've learned to enjoy. As supply starts to exceed demand (and it's happening) ATCOs will go, just like pilots, from being the star of the show to being a... drain on corporate resources!
Best of luck, lol sorry about the gloomy forecast. I hope I am wrong.
Join Date: Jul 2011
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LEGAL TENDER: well, your comment is certainly not in the least enocouraging for those who aspire to become ATC's (i.e. me!) , but no far from the truth, I guess you are in a way, right. May I ask, are you an ATC?
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Very honest and very true statement made by LEGAL TENDER. Unfortunately that is the way it is nowadays.
As the wait continues, I've just sent my next round of emails to handling agencies at MAN.
As the wait continues, I've just sent my next round of emails to handling agencies at MAN.
Join Date: Jun 2009
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mts1, I sure am. Have been in Nats for almost 4 years now.
If I hear anything that could be of interest to future trainees I'll pass it on. Some of you guys sound quite sensible. Good luck
If I hear anything that could be of interest to future trainees I'll pass it on. Some of you guys sound quite sensible. Good luck
Join Date: Sep 2009
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Good luck guys
Hi all,
Just reading through the last couple of pages regarding when NATS start applications again. Although I don't have any info on when this may be I can only imagine that once the backlog of students have finally validated at their units (especially at Swannick) in my personal opinion NATS will again start hiring. There will always be a need for ATCO's regardless of computers in the near future so even though you may need to wait a while I would highly recommend still going for it.
I'm now going through training at my unit after going through the selection stages twice and then waiting a year to start college and if I had the chance to go back and change anything I wouldn't.
@Sahl - The DLP is material that get sent to you before you start college, if you haven't got a date yet then it's likely it hasn't been sent to you. There will be a multi-choice test to complete at the beginning of the course. It's nothing too difficult but gives an overall appreication.
Good luck guys, keep going!
Just reading through the last couple of pages regarding when NATS start applications again. Although I don't have any info on when this may be I can only imagine that once the backlog of students have finally validated at their units (especially at Swannick) in my personal opinion NATS will again start hiring. There will always be a need for ATCO's regardless of computers in the near future so even though you may need to wait a while I would highly recommend still going for it.
I'm now going through training at my unit after going through the selection stages twice and then waiting a year to start college and if I had the chance to go back and change anything I wouldn't.
@Sahl - The DLP is material that get sent to you before you start college, if you haven't got a date yet then it's likely it hasn't been sent to you. There will be a multi-choice test to complete at the beginning of the course. It's nothing too difficult but gives an overall appreication.
Good luck guys, keep going!
Join Date: Jan 2012
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Hey, I've visited this site a few times but this is my first time posting. Just thought that I would let you know that I too am awaiting a Stage 3 interview.
I originally applied back in December 2010 thinking that I would be near finishing the application process for my gratuadion, had stage 1 test in April and stage 2 test in July. I'm pretty much in the same boat as Sivx, I was told stage 3 would be in September, I emailed them at the start of October and they said January but their website was updated in December to say that this would now be February, very frustrating.
I have since graduated in the summer, and got a part time job at the minute which is enough to keep me going but I would love a career, so I'm asking myself do I wait for NATS or do I start applying for Graduate schemes.
For all those looking to apply I have to agree with MTS1 that there seems to be quite a backlog of applications that NATS have to deal with and it could therefore be quite sometime before they reopen the application process to new candidates. Like Phil I will let you all know if I hear any more about my Stage 3 date, hopefully the re-opening of the application process will soon follow.
And Phil best of luck with you Stage 3 interview whenever it finally does come.
I originally applied back in December 2010 thinking that I would be near finishing the application process for my gratuadion, had stage 1 test in April and stage 2 test in July. I'm pretty much in the same boat as Sivx, I was told stage 3 would be in September, I emailed them at the start of October and they said January but their website was updated in December to say that this would now be February, very frustrating.
I have since graduated in the summer, and got a part time job at the minute which is enough to keep me going but I would love a career, so I'm asking myself do I wait for NATS or do I start applying for Graduate schemes.
For all those looking to apply I have to agree with MTS1 that there seems to be quite a backlog of applications that NATS have to deal with and it could therefore be quite sometime before they reopen the application process to new candidates. Like Phil I will let you all know if I hear any more about my Stage 3 date, hopefully the re-opening of the application process will soon follow.
And Phil best of luck with you Stage 3 interview whenever it finally does come.
Join Date: Jan 2012
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Brand new to the site I was going to apply to NATS this year but after reading all the posts I don't know if there is much point.
I have a couple of questions
Almost everyone i have seen saying they're waiting next stages say they are from england is there any chance that preswick's test centre would be more reliable ?
Would a better route be to go to the RAF and train as an air traffic controller there ?
thanks
I have a couple of questions
Almost everyone i have seen saying they're waiting next stages say they are from england is there any chance that preswick's test centre would be more reliable ?
Would a better route be to go to the RAF and train as an air traffic controller there ?
thanks
Join Date: Jul 2011
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deveed411: When applying for NATS, it's not a question of doing so at different places, such as England or Scotland but just to NATS. They have branches all over the UK and it is not possible to restrict your application to certain centers (Without prejudice of being able to be tested at the center you chose, but that's a completely different kettle of fish.). All the centers are united, and do not work independently in what recruitment is concerned.
About RAF: it's not a matter of it being better or worse but about your preferences and likes. If what you mean is if it'll be faster to become and ATC through RAF, it depends on their current situation which I am currently not very aware of.
About RAF: it's not a matter of it being better or worse but about your preferences and likes. If what you mean is if it'll be faster to become and ATC through RAF, it depends on their current situation which I am currently not very aware of.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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So, with the February NATS statement fast approaching, what are we expecting them to announce?
I can see at best, the continuation of training for people already started on courses and also dates been made available for people waiting to book stage 2 or 3 perhaps. It does surprise me that HR is holding back whilst in the other active NATS thread they are talking about people leaving and staff shortages.
I have an interview tomorrow at Manchester Airport for PSA position so hopefully a perfect time to get my foot in the door and not worry about the demises of politics within NATS.
I can see at best, the continuation of training for people already started on courses and also dates been made available for people waiting to book stage 2 or 3 perhaps. It does surprise me that HR is holding back whilst in the other active NATS thread they are talking about people leaving and staff shortages.
I have an interview tomorrow at Manchester Airport for PSA position so hopefully a perfect time to get my foot in the door and not worry about the demises of politics within NATS.
Join Date: Jan 2012
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New Struggler
Hii Ppl,
Well m new to this thread and jus wondering if anybody could suggest me how to start the preparation for NATS , any books or online preparation that could be useful.
Reply would b really greatful
thnx!!
Well m new to this thread and jus wondering if anybody could suggest me how to start the preparation for NATS , any books or online preparation that could be useful.
Reply would b really greatful
thnx!!
Join Date: Aug 2007
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I suspect at most (if a positive statement), that they will continue the courses of those who have already started and allow people waiting to book a course, to do so! It just seems times are still tough and they can't take any risks on recruitment (at least not for the majority of 2012).
To keep myself busy, I've now got a job as PSA at Manchester, so training starting in March.
To keep myself busy, I've now got a job as PSA at Manchester, so training starting in March.
Join Date: Aug 2007
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ZOOKER - Thank you, yes pretty much, it's "Passenger Service Agent" and it's for Swissport (recruitment through Premier Work Support). So it will be check-in, general help to pax and also gate boarding. Contract is only temporary until October but they have told us that last year when they recruited, they were all offered full-time contracts at the end of October which is something I am seriously considering to gain more experience, I hope to cross over to Dispatch at some point.