NATS interview process
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 81
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From: SPAIN
Don't give up Niki86, This is my second attempt and I'm doing much better than the first time.
So If you really want to be an ATC, don't give up!!


Thank you for the information joebog, can I ask you something by PM?
So If you really want to be an ATC, don't give up!!
Thank you for the information joebog, can I ask you something by PM?
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
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From: Carlisle
Hi Ariadne,
I don't think the initial stage tests were difficult. I didn't prepare for that before, apart from the practice questions that I received before the tests.
I received an email saying that I passed that stage about 2-3 weeks after doing the stage one. But then I was another 6 months before I received an invitation for Stage 2.
So be patient
And good luck!
I don't think the initial stage tests were difficult. I didn't prepare for that before, apart from the practice questions that I received before the tests.
I received an email saying that I passed that stage about 2-3 weeks after doing the stage one. But then I was another 6 months before I received an invitation for Stage 2.
So be patient
And good luck!
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13
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From: Carlisle
Stage 2
Thanks Megamc,
That's exactly what I was thinking - that at my next attempt I will know what to expect. Just need to wait 2 years and apply again
And regarding your question: I finished my Stage 2 at about 2.15-2.30pm (that was last year). There was 7 of us and I finished last, so I'm guessing it's really hard to say when this would finish, as it depends on the number of people and how fast they do it.
That's exactly what I was thinking - that at my next attempt I will know what to expect. Just need to wait 2 years and apply again

And regarding your question: I finished my Stage 2 at about 2.15-2.30pm (that was last year). There was 7 of us and I finished last, so I'm guessing it's really hard to say when this would finish, as it depends on the number of people and how fast they do it.
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10
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From: Sheffield
Stage 1 is tough Ariadne, mostly down to the short amount of time you have to answer each question rather than the questions themselves being hard. I would imagine this stage is testing your ability to work under stress and pressure, so prepare yourself for that! I found out quite quickly that I'd passed (I think the next day), but it was a year ago since I passed stage 0&1 so don't hold me to that.
I take it nobody waiting for a stage 3 invite has heard anything yet?
I take it nobody waiting for a stage 3 invite has heard anything yet?
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2
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From: Hampshire
Hi, first time poster, hope someone can help, I have my stage 2 this week and am panicking a bit as the website says that I am supposed to receive some advanced materials for the ATC test and I haven't as yet. Should I have received something? And if so, I don't suppose anyone would be able to send a PDF or something with the materials?
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 10
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From: Sheffield
Does anyone have any contact details to help me arrange a tower/centre visit? I've contacted Swanwick but after a bit of digging the lady called me back and directed me to the NATS website to book it, which states that they don't arrange any visits! I'm starting to run out of avenues to try!
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 116
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From: Earth
To arrange a visit I suggest you write to or e-mail the General Manager at the NATS address of the centre or tower you are trying to visit. Mention that you are asking to visit because you are progressing through the selection process.
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: kent
I've been reading this thread since I applied in December '13 but this is my first time posting... Is there anyone else starting the course on 7th December? And if so have you heard anything from the college yet? I was told my start date a couple of weeks ago and was told I would hear but haven't as yet. Obviously with the amount of time everything has taken before this I'm not surprised it's taking a little while to hear, but was just wondering if anyone else had yet??

Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 35
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From: Spain
I've been reading this thread since I applied in December '13 but this is my first time posting... Is there anyone else starting the course on 7th December? And if so have you heard anything from the college yet? I was told my start date a couple of weeks ago and was told I would hear but haven't as yet. Obviously with the amount of time everything has taken before this I'm not surprised it's taking a little while to hear, but was just wondering if anyone else had yet??

I'd love to know from those of you who have just started. Did you receive material to study before starting? How did you look for accommodation? Were you able to contact each other before starting the course?...
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
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From: Portugal
Nice to hear from you, Manusa. I enjoyed a lot of your input when I was preparing for stage 2 
Any piece of advice for those of us preparing for stage 3? Did you get to visit a tower/centre before your interview? How did you prepare for it?

Any piece of advice for those of us preparing for stage 3? Did you get to visit a tower/centre before your interview? How did you prepare for it?

Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 35
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From: Spain

I did visit some facilities... but in Spain. I didn't have the opportunity to visit any NATS facility prior to stage 3.
As it has been said earlier in this thread, when you get to stage 3 you have already proven your skills and it's all about proving you want to be an ATCO, you want to learn, you fit the role, think about any past experience that might be useful/related... Try to sell yourself! (In an honest way
)As for the interview itself, I honestly don't have much to add since it was my first job interview ever!

Best of luck!




