NATS interview process
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: kent
Hi guys. I hope you don't mind me asking as it's a bit off topic but I'm looking to apply next year and I've got a question about what happens should you be successful:
NATS make it clear that you have to be prepared to move anywhere in the country should they offer you a job, but what happens in practice? Are you asked where you'd like do go and do they try and accommodate this? Do you have the opportunity to transfer to another location later on if a position opens up somewhere you'd prefer?
Many thanks.
NATS make it clear that you have to be prepared to move anywhere in the country should they offer you a job, but what happens in practice? Are you asked where you'd like do go and do they try and accommodate this? Do you have the opportunity to transfer to another location later on if a position opens up somewhere you'd prefer?
Many thanks.
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 143
Likes: 71
From: Hampshire
You might be asked, and if you're very, very lucky you might get what you asked for. It's based almost entirely around where the "business need" happens to be at the time.
Don't go in expecting somewhere convenient, when they say you should be prepared to move to anywhere, they mean it. If you do get something you'd like, that's great but don't count on it unfortunately.
Don't go in expecting somewhere convenient, when they say you should be prepared to move to anywhere, they mean it. If you do get something you'd like, that's great but don't count on it unfortunately.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Cumbria
Hey guys,
I've just gotten through Stage 0+1 and got an email saying they will be in touch but there are no planned assessment days currently.
Anyone in the same position? How long do you reckon it'll be before they will hold another day?
I've just gotten through Stage 0+1 and got an email saying they will be in touch but there are no planned assessment days currently.
Anyone in the same position? How long do you reckon it'll be before they will hold another day?
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: england
been watching this thread for a long time now so decided to make an account.
I have recently applied and failed on stage 1 tests
on the NATS website it says you can only apply once but I thought you could apply 3 times with 24months in between what is the case here? is there anyway to apply before 24 months as I failed the online tests not the FEAST or DART tests or is it any bit of application you have to wait 24months?
thanks for any help and good luck guys
I have recently applied and failed on stage 1 tests
on the NATS website it says you can only apply once but I thought you could apply 3 times with 24months in between what is the case here? is there anyway to apply before 24 months as I failed the online tests not the FEAST or DART tests or is it any bit of application you have to wait 24months?thanks for any help and good luck guys
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: UK
Lukie100 Without sounding too inconsiderate, in all fairness if you have failed the Stage 1 tests, then the likely hood of passing FEAST is very slim as it is like Stage 1, only 100 times more difficult.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: england
Was annoying as stage 0 tests I found fun and easy but just the diagrammatical tests I jumped straight into without fully reading instructions so lost a bit of time working it out.
Just remember to do the examples first and make sure you understand them guys if anyone plans on doing them
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Whiteley
I wouldn't say the FEAST is a 100 times harder. They are different tests. The Stage 0+1 test, you really do need to pay them the respect they demand and not to skip the instructions. Likewise with the Stage 2 as the instructions are paramount. They are also a chance to take a break from the test itself.
Don't be put off, give it another go in 2 years. You'll be that bit wiser.
Don't be put off, give it another go in 2 years. You'll be that bit wiser.
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: england
I wouldn't say the FEAST is a 100 times harder. They are different tests. The Stage 0+1 test, you really do need to pay them the respect they demand and not to skip the instructions. Likewise with the Stage 2 as the instructions are paramount. They are also a chance to take a break from the test itself.
Don't be put off, give it another go in 2 years. You'll be that bit wiser.
Don't be put off, give it another go in 2 years. You'll be that bit wiser.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: London
Can anyone give an idea as to how long the application process is taking at the moment? I've read back some more through this thread and seems it used to be very slow, but is now better.
I wasn't planning to apply until next year as I've got a house that I would need to sell prior to commencing training (should I be successful), but if the application is taking the best part of a year then there's no need for me to wait.
Thanks.
I wasn't planning to apply until next year as I've got a house that I would need to sell prior to commencing training (should I be successful), but if the application is taking the best part of a year then there's no need for me to wait.
Thanks.
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Down south and up north
If NATS have really reduced you to only be allowed to apply once, this seems like a poorly produced blog post. Second time lucky for trainee air traffic controller - NATS Blog
Bold added by me.
Jake Longstaff is proof that if you want something hard enough you should never give up. (Although we no longer allow you to apply twice)
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Whiteley
@Flamin Squirrel
I started my application in April and would have been on course in December if I could have left my current job earlier. I did have to wait 6 weeks for the final interview stage though. It can be as little as 4 months if all goes well but you are at the mercy of the college as it's them that give the dates.
I know someone who has been told they may be on a course date late Feb but don't quote me on it.
I personally wouldn't sell my house before or during the application process as it's really difficult process with no guarantees.
Could you not rent it out if you were successful?
I started my application in April and would have been on course in December if I could have left my current job earlier. I did have to wait 6 weeks for the final interview stage though. It can be as little as 4 months if all goes well but you are at the mercy of the college as it's them that give the dates.
I know someone who has been told they may be on a course date late Feb but don't quote me on it.
I personally wouldn't sell my house before or during the application process as it's really difficult process with no guarantees.
Could you not rent it out if you were successful?
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: London
djblu1980 thanks for the info. House wise it's... complicated! I won't bore you with the details. I've started the application process at any rate; I'll figure something out.
Have people bothered uploading their CV during the initial application? Is there any benefit? It doesn't seem essential as it says you can just use your profile details.
Have people bothered uploading their CV during the initial application? Is there any benefit? It doesn't seem essential as it says you can just use your profile details.
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: UK
Yeah will do cheers, I'm not going to give up that easily. I'm waiting for email back from NATS Careers to see if the application process has changed to one application (as website now says) now so will post on here when I find out incase anyone on here wants to know if it's changed
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: UK
Also regarding arrival time, I have 2 emails that contradict each other. One says to arrive for 8:00 am, but the other says to arrive 30 mins before the start time (which is 8am).
What time does everyone recommend to arrive for the assessment day, is 7:30 a good time to aim for?
What time does everyone recommend to arrive for the assessment day, is 7:30 a good time to aim for?
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: UK
When I did my stage 2, most people wore suits. People were arriving from about 7:30 to just before 8:00, probably best to lean towards earlier.
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Portugal
There are only two ways of arriving on time, either you arrived exactly at the time or ealier. You don't want risking arriving late, it will cost you all your hard work so far.
Go dressed with a suit. In my case I wore chino pants and a shirt, but in stage 3 I wore my suit (guess I didn't want to use the same outfit)...
Go dressed with a suit. In my case I wore chino pants and a shirt, but in stage 3 I wore my suit (guess I didn't want to use the same outfit)...