NATS interview process

[Mishelche]

Originally Posted by hunteruk

Search on YouTube for the Cut-e tests (such as "Cut-e Monitoring Ability") because they have uploaded a variety of example videos which will help you understand what to expect.

Thank you for helping me out!
​​​​​​​I will check it out.

[taybz]

Has anyone else received a phone call? I missed mine on Thursday as I was driving, they left a voice-message to call them back, I'm calling back but it keeps going to voicemail

[Gingers Have Souls]

Originally Posted by taybz

Has anyone else received a phone call? I missed mine on Thursday as I was driving, they left a voice-message to call them back, I'm calling back but it keeps going to voicemail

I’d call the general recruitment phone number if I were you

[taybz]

i called them but you need to leave a voice message with them and they call back. I think I will continue to try and get through, will get through at some point. will post if i hear back from them

[idloveit]

Medical emails are starting to come through. I’ve booked on for early October in Swanwick due to holiday commitments in September.

[The GP]

Yep, they gave me early Sept too. No signs of security paperwork but i guess there is plenty of time.

[taybz]

I got a reply back, I passed stage 3, thanks all for the help!

[Gingers Have Souls]

Originally Posted by desrudy

Hmm so from what i understand , there are only 2 person per date who will be selected ?

I don’t think that’s correct.

Theres no limit, if you’re good enough and meet the criteria, you will pass. Whether there’s 0 or 6 people, it doesn’t matter.

[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!