NATS interview process

[Mohammad Khan]

A few questions

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if it's true that you don't get to choose what ATC station you work at if you train with NATS? Also, can you randomly be moved from tower to tower/area to area, even if you have a family?

Also, are there any Muslim UK-based ATC here? If there are, do you have space and time to pray, and is it generally an inclusive workplace?

Finally, does anyone have any tips on the application process for a NATS ATC job?

Many thanks.

[Runway26]

Originally Posted by Mohammad Khan

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if it's true that you don't get to choose what ATC station you work at if you train with NATS? Also, can you randomly be moved from tower to tower/area to area, even if you have a family?

Also, are there any Muslim UK-based ATC here? If there are, do you have space and time to pray, and is it generally an inclusive workplace?

Finally, does anyone have any tips on the application process for a NATS ATC job?

Many thanks.

Hi,
NATS will place you where they need you on completion of your training so no you don’t get a choice. You get a preference and that is said to be ‘considered’ but in reality you have to be prepared to love to where the business needs you.
You wouldn’t be moved form a tower position to an area one as the training is different for each. Therefore those who train tower will end up in a tower or on approach at a unit and this who train for area will be in Swanwick or Prestwick. It’s worth knowing though that all of London’s approach is based at Swanwick.
NATS is a very inclusive company and it doesn’t matter what you believe in, more so what you can do and if you have the right ability to control.
Tip wise........have an interest in planes, try to visit a live tower if you can, be good at problem solving, and go with a clear and open mind!
Good luck!

[Mohammad Khan]

Originally Posted by Runway26

Hi,
NATS will place you where they need you on completion of your training so no you don’t get a choice. You get a preference and that is said to be ‘considered’ but in reality you have to be prepared to love to where the business needs you.
You wouldn’t be moved form a tower position to an area one as the training is different for each. Therefore those who train tower will end up in a tower or on approach at a unit and this who train for area will be in Swanwick or Prestwick. It’s worth knowing though that all of London’s approach is based at Swanwick.
NATS is a very inclusive company and it doesn’t matter what you believe in, more so what you can do and if you have the right ability to control.
Tip wise........have an interest in planes, try to visit a live tower if you can, be good at problem solving, and go with a clear and open mind!
Good luck!

Thanks so much for your reply!

I've got another question, though. Is it possible that NATS could say I have to move from one tower to another, e.g. from Stansted to somewhere up North, or from one area/centre to another? Just a bit stressed about the whole location thing, as I'm planning to start a family some day, and if I have to move around a lot, it might get stressful.

Regarding your tips, yeah I'd say I do have quite an interest in planes, so that should help. Also, would you happen to know anything about what goes on in the group exercise and what kinds of questions they ask in the formal interview?

Many thanks.

[tf412]

Originally Posted by Mohammad Khan

I've got another question, though. Is it possible that NATS could say I have to move from one tower to another, e.g. from Stansted to somewhere up North, or from one area/centre to another? Just a bit stressed about the whole location thing, as I'm planning to start a family some day, and if I have to move around a lot, it might get stressful.

It's a "mobile grade" job, so yes, I believe it's theoretically possible. However, as far as I understand it, it's highly unlikely, as it would mean you being non-operational for several months while you are re-trained at the new unit, costing the company a huge amount of money. So generally, once you're posted to a unit, that's where you stay.

Regarding your tips, yeah I'd say I do have quite an interest in planes, so that should help. Also, would you happen to know anything about what goes on in the group exercise and what kinds of questions they ask in the formal interview?

Those who have been through the selection process aren't allowed to share details of the process. However, if the current process is anything like the last one you will be given some tips at least, so you won't be completely in the dark (e.g. HR advised us that we should expect competency-based questions and so on).

[Shickly]

Hearing back after new Stage 2

Hi all,

I've just completed the stage 2 assessments on the new process. I was just wondering how long it took for others to hear back with their outcomes for stage 2?
As I heard back immediately after Stage 1, and am a little anxious that the same hasn't happened at stage 2.

Regards,
Shickly

[Runway26]

Originally Posted by Mohammad Khan

Thanks so much for your reply!

I've got another question, though. Is it possible that NATS could say I have to move from one tower to another, e.g. from Stansted to somewhere up North, or from one area/centre to another? Just a bit stressed about the whole location thing, as I'm planning to start a family some day, and if I have to move around a lot, it might get stressful.

Regarding your tips, yeah I'd say I do have quite an interest in planes, so that should help. Also, would you happen to know anything about what goes on in the group exercise and what kinds of questions they ask in the formal interview?

Many thanks.

Yes as mentioned no one can actually tell you exactly. I did the old system when I applied which in regard to the actual tests and questions I don’t imagine would have been that much different from the new system (I may be wrong and would be stood corrected if so) so if I was I would look at problem solving revision rather than maths revision that many people seem to do. Although the saying hat keeps coming up on here is you either have the ability or you don’t.
I imagine they will still expect you to learn something, I had a document of air traffic related information I had to learn and they asked questions based on it but they provide it at whichever stage they require and they give you plenty of time.
The interview questions are along the lines of give an example of when you have worked in a team and so on and they’re looking at your experiences and if you tick the boxes in relation to them.

[Serravelle]

I'm sure this has probably been asked before, but I've had a quick search and can't find anything definitive.

Is the security check completed fully online? Or is there an interview involved also?

[Runway26]

Originally Posted by Serravelle

I'm sure this has probably been asked before, but I've had a quick search and can't find anything definitive.

Is the security check completed fully online? Or is there an interview involved also?

it depends if anything crops up that is noteworthy. If it does they’ll interview you. If not, it’ll all be online.

[TomNokoe]

Originally Posted by Shickly

Hi all,

I've just completed the stage 2 assessments on the new process. I was just wondering how long it took for others to hear back with their outcomes for stage 2?
As I heard back immediately after Stage 1, and am a little anxious that the same hasn't happened at stage 2.

Regards,
Shickly

Shickly, I am in the same boat as you. I completed both stages yesterday evening, and I am anxiously waiting for my Stage 2 reply.

For any lurkers wondering ... Stage 1 felt like it was deliberately difficult. I didn't think I performed spectacularly, but passed. If anybody is worried about giving it a shot, just go for it. I think the "entry ceiling" is lower than many will imagine.

I didn't enjoy the Stage 2 questionnaires. They invite the user to overthink and properly get in your head. Not in any way difficult but they always feel very bizarre.

Fingers crossed, etc. Let's see what happens.

[Spacejam]

Huge congrats to those who have recently passed Stage 3! I can only imagine the wait was nerve wracking!

How are people feeling for the upcoming Stage 3 on Wednesday? I'm torn between wanting it to be over and done with, and wanting another month to prepare haha! Good luck everyone!

[TomNokoe]

I've just noticed that new applications have been closed.

"We are currently closed to new applications. We review our requirements on a regular basis, so please register your details below and you’ll be the first to know when we are recruiting for Trainee Air Traffic Controllers."

Judging by this thread, they must have been inundated. Very pleased I applied when I did. Hopefully my Stage 2 comes back positive. A little worried I'm going to be a part of the "overflow" by applying so late!

[Topcat47]

Good spot! Aside from the influx of applicants I would imagine they will also be reviewing the new process and deciding on any amendments.

I hope this means that after tomorrows stage 3s it wont be long until we finally start hearing potential start dates!

[Mishelche]

Originally Posted by TomNokoe

I've just noticed that new applications have been closed.

"We are currently closed to new applications. We review our requirements on a regular basis, so please register your details below and you’ll be the first to know when we are recruiting for Trainee Air Traffic Controllers."

Judging by this thread, they must have been inundated. Very pleased I applied when I did. Hopefully my Stage 2 comes back positive. A little worried I'm going to be a part of the "overflow" by applying so late!

Hi TomNokoe,

You are right!
I have just checked!
I was about to apply for the job, but... I can't now.
I am wondering how much time I should wait until I can applying for it.
Any ideas!?

[Mohammad Khan]

Rough estimate on how often NATS recruit for new ATCOs?

Originally Posted by Mishelche

Hi TomNokoe,

You are right!
I have just checked!
I was about to apply for the job, but... I can't now.
I am wondering how much time I should wait until I can applying for it.
Any ideas!?

​​​​​​
I was also about to apply today, but found that they've stopped recruiting for the meanwhile. Hence, I was wondering if anyone would be able to give a rough estimate of how often they recruit for new ATCOs, or is it just completely unpredictable?

Many thanks.

[Mohammad Khan]

I've also got another question. If you reject an ATC job offer from NATS, does that work like a 'fail', i.e. will you only be allowed to apply again after 2 years? Thanks.

[desrudy]

the next training courses are now planned for summer 2020 ( maybe beginning of june or august 2020 ) so some of you will received this email :

Dear ......

Thank you for booking onto one of our Stage 3 assessment centres, taking place this year.

We wanted to give you an update on the next steps your application. Due to the high number of applications we’ve received, our next training courses are now planned for summer 2020. Should you be successful at your Stage 3 assessment we will be contacting you towards the end of the year with more information about when your training will start.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected]

Kind Regards

The NATS Talent Acquisition Team

[Topcat47]

In a similar vein to the above post I received an email yesterday re-confirming that communication will be made in August for the early 2020 start dates (Passed stage 3 on the old process in May).

[idloveit]

Originally Posted by Topcat47

In a similar vein to the above post I received an email yesterday re-confirming that communication will be made in August for the early 2020 start dates (Passed stage 3 on the old process in May).

I also received the same email.

[whitelighter]

Originally Posted by Mohammad Khan

I've also got another question. If you reject an ATC job offer from NATS, does that work like a 'fail', i.e. will you only be allowed to apply again after 2 years? Thanks.

when you say reject a job what do you mean? If you mean a posting (such as Stansted or Bristol) then this isn’t given to you until you are employed and have passed a rating course, so you’d have to resign and leave employment so separate from the recruitment process.

If you mean mean you don’t want to do a certain discipline then again I believe everyone starts on basic and then the tatcs are streamed to airports, approach or further area courses.

either way, you job offer is to start training, not to work somewhere specific. Even once you gain a position as a trainee you are several steps and some time from being an atco. Company need may change in the time between starting and finishing

short answer is, if you are successful in the recruitment process but turn down a training role then i suspect you are done for ever. They will listen if you want to delay a start date with good reason but that’s about it

[Martmart]

Originally Posted by Jailhouse

When do people have their upcoming Stage 3 interviews assigned?
Please post your date for Stage 3.

JH

When did you pass your stage 2 JH? I passed mine 3 weeks ago but was told it could be up to 6 months before I hear anything back.