NATS interview process
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Lancashire
I am taking the stage 3 assessment this month and was hoping to get placed on the course this year however I have been adviced that it could possibly be 2024.
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Brussels
Just clicked on the link in the email to see if news slots have been released. That’s what it says:
There are no time slots available for this event. Please contact us so that we can consider alternative options.
Is that a general message or we are supposed to contact NATS if we are still waiting for getting a slot for stage 3?
There are no time slots available for this event. Please contact us so that we can consider alternative options.
Is that a general message or we are supposed to contact NATS if we are still waiting for getting a slot for stage 3?
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ayr
Hi everyone,
I have recently started looking into everything surrounding this line of work and have a couple of queries if anyone has the answers!
I know the trainee salary has been discussed on previous pages but just looking to see if anyone has any updated information.
Basically, the base trainee salary would be less than half of my current wage and I live around eight hours drive from the training college so would obviously need to relocate during that process - I would need to continue to pay for my mortgage/bills etc at home too though.
I was just looking to see if anyone knew how long you are on the initial salary plus the £7000 (ish) accommodation expenses per year. Does this level of salary continue until you are fully qualified? So around two - three years? And do you continue to get the accommodation payment after leaving the training centre?
Once you are fully qualified what do increments generally tend to look like - I know this will depend on where you work etc but just looking for a rough guide.
It is a line of work I would love to become involved in, but obviously a lot to weigh up. I think I could just about get by nine months of the basic salary and living away - even if I was lucky enough to be placed at a unit near my home in the west of Scotland I think I could just about continue at that level of earnings but anything outwith that and I think it would be impossible sadly.
Huge IF questions as I appreciate how hard it is to get selected anyway, but better to look at all the practicalities now!
Any help would be greatly appreciated
I have recently started looking into everything surrounding this line of work and have a couple of queries if anyone has the answers!
I know the trainee salary has been discussed on previous pages but just looking to see if anyone has any updated information.
Basically, the base trainee salary would be less than half of my current wage and I live around eight hours drive from the training college so would obviously need to relocate during that process - I would need to continue to pay for my mortgage/bills etc at home too though.
I was just looking to see if anyone knew how long you are on the initial salary plus the £7000 (ish) accommodation expenses per year. Does this level of salary continue until you are fully qualified? So around two - three years? And do you continue to get the accommodation payment after leaving the training centre?
Once you are fully qualified what do increments generally tend to look like - I know this will depend on where you work etc but just looking for a rough guide.
It is a line of work I would love to become involved in, but obviously a lot to weigh up. I think I could just about get by nine months of the basic salary and living away - even if I was lucky enough to be placed at a unit near my home in the west of Scotland I think I could just about continue at that level of earnings but anything outwith that and I think it would be impossible sadly.
Huge IF questions as I appreciate how hard it is to get selected anyway, but better to look at all the practicalities now!
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Joined: Dec 2004
Aviation Qualifications: ATCO
Posts: 306
Likes: 2
From: Down South
Hi everyone,
I have recently started looking into everything surrounding this line of work and have a couple of queries if anyone has the answers!
I know the trainee salary has been discussed on previous pages but just looking to see if anyone has any updated information.
Basically, the base trainee salary would be less than half of my current wage and I live around eight hours drive from the training college so would obviously need to relocate during that process - I would need to continue to pay for my mortgage/bills etc at home too though.
I was just looking to see if anyone knew how long you are on the initial salary plus the £7000 (ish) accommodation expenses per year. Does this level of salary continue until you are fully qualified? So around two - three years? And do you continue to get the accommodation payment after leaving the training centre?
Once you are fully qualified what do increments generally tend to look like - I know this will depend on where you work etc but just looking for a rough guide.
It is a line of work I would love to become involved in, but obviously a lot to weigh up. I think I could just about get by nine months of the basic salary and living away - even if I was lucky enough to be placed at a unit near my home in the west of Scotland I think I could just about continue at that level of earnings but anything outwith that and I think it would be impossible sadly.
Huge IF questions as I appreciate how hard it is to get selected anyway, but better to look at all the practicalities now!
Any help would be greatly appreciated
I have recently started looking into everything surrounding this line of work and have a couple of queries if anyone has the answers!
I know the trainee salary has been discussed on previous pages but just looking to see if anyone has any updated information.
Basically, the base trainee salary would be less than half of my current wage and I live around eight hours drive from the training college so would obviously need to relocate during that process - I would need to continue to pay for my mortgage/bills etc at home too though.
I was just looking to see if anyone knew how long you are on the initial salary plus the £7000 (ish) accommodation expenses per year. Does this level of salary continue until you are fully qualified? So around two - three years? And do you continue to get the accommodation payment after leaving the training centre?
Once you are fully qualified what do increments generally tend to look like - I know this will depend on where you work etc but just looking for a rough guide.
It is a line of work I would love to become involved in, but obviously a lot to weigh up. I think I could just about get by nine months of the basic salary and living away - even if I was lucky enough to be placed at a unit near my home in the west of Scotland I think I could just about continue at that level of earnings but anything outwith that and I think it would be impossible sadly.
Huge IF questions as I appreciate how hard it is to get selected anyway, but better to look at all the practicalities now!
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Regarding location, you can be sent wherever the company needs you. You can put in preferences, but ultimately if they want you as a tower controller at Southampton that's where you're going regardless of where the rest of your family is. The majority of people will either end up at Swanwick or Prestwick though as that's where they have the most controllers and obviously need the most too. Again, there's little choice - it'll be where the business needs you.
In terms of annual increments, it depends on where you are. They all start around the £40k mark and go up from there. Working at the busier units will leave you on well over £100k by the time you reach the top of the pay scale
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ayr
You're on the training salary until you arrive at a unit. Then, if I remember correctly and I'm prepared to be wrong on this, you lose the living allowance, but you gain the anti-social hours payment which is very similar to the living allowance. Your salary does go up by a few thousand too. However, it's unlikely that your college journey would be smooth. You may well fail a stage or end up holding whilst the course ahead of you finishes their course and then your 9 months at the college is suddenly 12 or longer.
Regarding location, you can be sent wherever the company needs you. You can put in preferences, but ultimately if they want you as a tower controller at Southampton that's where you're going regardless of where the rest of your family is. The majority of people will either end up at Swanwick or Prestwick though as that's where they have the most controllers and obviously need the most too. Again, there's little choice - it'll be where the business needs you.
In terms of annual increments, it depends on where you are. They all start around the £40k mark and go up from there. Working at the busier units will leave you on well over £100k by the time you reach the top of the pay scale
Regarding location, you can be sent wherever the company needs you. You can put in preferences, but ultimately if they want you as a tower controller at Southampton that's where you're going regardless of where the rest of your family is. The majority of people will either end up at Swanwick or Prestwick though as that's where they have the most controllers and obviously need the most too. Again, there's little choice - it'll be where the business needs you.
In terms of annual increments, it depends on where you are. They all start around the £40k mark and go up from there. Working at the busier units will leave you on well over £100k by the time you reach the top of the pay scale
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: UK
Group discussion?
Hi all.
Thanks for all the above info so far.
I was wondering if someone who has attended recently may be able to shed some more light on the day?
Considering it's being run via teams I was wondering how the group discussion went? I think we can all agree the natural nuisances of conversation are difficult to replicate through a video call - so I'd be interested to know how this went for those who have taken part?
Any surprising questions in the competency based interview? Or is it very much the standard "tell me a time you have demonstrated X Y or Z"
Also, Is the Nats quiz from the study material provided multiple choice?
Cheers and best of luck to all
Thanks for all the above info so far.
I was wondering if someone who has attended recently may be able to shed some more light on the day?
Considering it's being run via teams I was wondering how the group discussion went? I think we can all agree the natural nuisances of conversation are difficult to replicate through a video call - so I'd be interested to know how this went for those who have taken part?
Any surprising questions in the competency based interview? Or is it very much the standard "tell me a time you have demonstrated X Y or Z"
Also, Is the Nats quiz from the study material provided multiple choice?
Cheers and best of luck to all
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: london
Hi,
I'm just starting my research into this career and have struggled to find the answer to two key questions. I've tried to search the NATS website as well as this form and Reddit, but while these question has been asked, the answers are either out of date or vague.
My first question is about the salary. A normally taboo subject but in this new modern world, a very important problem to discuss. In my research, I've found that NATS has different salary ranges for being stationed at different airports. They seemed to call these bands. Is this still how it operates? If so, can you share updated ranges and what airports belong to which band? If you are at an airport that ranges from 40k-80k, how long does it take to achieve 80k? Is this usually a promotion to a different role or is this just pay for experience? If I was working at Cardiff as an Aerodrome Controller for 4 years, how much should I be making? The answers I've usually seen to salary questions are, the salary "good"/"great" but these mean something different to everyone. So a really detail answer would be appreciated. I know some people don't like to talk openly about their salary so I completely understand if you don't want to do this openly. I'm new to this form but I assume it has private message features.
My second question is about the type of controller you wish to become. My research seems to suggest you are just assigned with your preference not even taken into consideration. Is this true? If, for instance, you wanted to become an Aerodrome Controller but you were assigned to be an Area Controller, and someone else wished to be an Area Controller but they were assigned to be an Aerodrome Controller, doesn't that seem silly? Some explanation on this would be great. As at the moment, it seems there is a possibility for some to be very unhappy in their role. Also, if you wanted to switch the type of controller you are, could you? Or would this require retraining which NATS are unlikely to offer?
A further question I had while typing this is, how easy is it to switch between airports? Let's say you are assigned to Cardiff, is it possible to move to Manchester? If so, how is the process?
Thanks to anyone who answers. If you have already seen these answered, please post a link to the information. I know some might say to apply first, pass the assessments, then worry about these questions. But, the training is a large commitment. I would rather know now that I 100% want to do it than train for 2 years and realize I get paid less for more work; though, probably more interesting.
I'm just starting my research into this career and have struggled to find the answer to two key questions. I've tried to search the NATS website as well as this form and Reddit, but while these question has been asked, the answers are either out of date or vague.
My first question is about the salary. A normally taboo subject but in this new modern world, a very important problem to discuss. In my research, I've found that NATS has different salary ranges for being stationed at different airports. They seemed to call these bands. Is this still how it operates? If so, can you share updated ranges and what airports belong to which band? If you are at an airport that ranges from 40k-80k, how long does it take to achieve 80k? Is this usually a promotion to a different role or is this just pay for experience? If I was working at Cardiff as an Aerodrome Controller for 4 years, how much should I be making? The answers I've usually seen to salary questions are, the salary "good"/"great" but these mean something different to everyone. So a really detail answer would be appreciated. I know some people don't like to talk openly about their salary so I completely understand if you don't want to do this openly. I'm new to this form but I assume it has private message features.
My second question is about the type of controller you wish to become. My research seems to suggest you are just assigned with your preference not even taken into consideration. Is this true? If, for instance, you wanted to become an Aerodrome Controller but you were assigned to be an Area Controller, and someone else wished to be an Area Controller but they were assigned to be an Aerodrome Controller, doesn't that seem silly? Some explanation on this would be great. As at the moment, it seems there is a possibility for some to be very unhappy in their role. Also, if you wanted to switch the type of controller you are, could you? Or would this require retraining which NATS are unlikely to offer?
A further question I had while typing this is, how easy is it to switch between airports? Let's say you are assigned to Cardiff, is it possible to move to Manchester? If so, how is the process?
Thanks to anyone who answers. If you have already seen these answered, please post a link to the information. I know some might say to apply first, pass the assessments, then worry about these questions. But, the training is a large commitment. I would rather know now that I 100% want to do it than train for 2 years and realize I get paid less for more work; though, probably more interesting.
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
From: Nats
Hi,
I'm just starting my research into this career and have struggled to find the answer to two key questions. I've tried to search the NATS website as well as this form and Reddit, but while these question has been asked, the answers are either out of date or vague.
My first question is about the salary. A normally taboo subject but in this new modern world, a very important problem to discuss. In my research, I've found that NATS has different salary ranges for being stationed at different airports. They seemed to call these bands. Is this still how it operates? If so, can you share updated ranges and what airports belong to which band? If you are at an airport that ranges from 40k-80k, how long does it take to achieve 80k? Is this usually a promotion to a different role or is this just pay for experience? If I was working at Cardiff as an Aerodrome Controller for 4 years, how much should I be making? The answers I've usually seen to salary questions are, the salary "good"/"great" but these mean something different to everyone. So a really detail answer would be appreciated. I know some people don't like to talk openly about their salary so I completely understand if you don't want to do this openly. I'm new to this form but I assume it has private message features.
My second question is about the type of controller you wish to become. My research seems to suggest you are just assigned with your preference not even taken into consideration. Is this true? If, for instance, you wanted to become an Aerodrome Controller but you were assigned to be an Area Controller, and someone else wished to be an Area Controller but they were assigned to be an Aerodrome Controller, doesn't that seem silly? Some explanation on this would be great. As at the moment, it seems there is a possibility for some to be very unhappy in their role. Also, if you wanted to switch the type of controller you are, could you? Or would this require retraining which NATS are unlikely to offer?
A further question I had while typing this is, how easy is it to switch between airports? Let's say you are assigned to Cardiff, is it possible to move to Manchester? If so, how is the process?
Thanks to anyone who answers. If you have already seen these answered, please post a link to the information. I know some might say to apply first, pass the assessments, then worry about these questions. But, the training is a large commitment. I would rather know now that I 100% want to do it than train for 2 years and realize I get paid less for more work; though, probably more interesting.
I'm just starting my research into this career and have struggled to find the answer to two key questions. I've tried to search the NATS website as well as this form and Reddit, but while these question has been asked, the answers are either out of date or vague.
My first question is about the salary. A normally taboo subject but in this new modern world, a very important problem to discuss. In my research, I've found that NATS has different salary ranges for being stationed at different airports. They seemed to call these bands. Is this still how it operates? If so, can you share updated ranges and what airports belong to which band? If you are at an airport that ranges from 40k-80k, how long does it take to achieve 80k? Is this usually a promotion to a different role or is this just pay for experience? If I was working at Cardiff as an Aerodrome Controller for 4 years, how much should I be making? The answers I've usually seen to salary questions are, the salary "good"/"great" but these mean something different to everyone. So a really detail answer would be appreciated. I know some people don't like to talk openly about their salary so I completely understand if you don't want to do this openly. I'm new to this form but I assume it has private message features.
My second question is about the type of controller you wish to become. My research seems to suggest you are just assigned with your preference not even taken into consideration. Is this true? If, for instance, you wanted to become an Aerodrome Controller but you were assigned to be an Area Controller, and someone else wished to be an Area Controller but they were assigned to be an Aerodrome Controller, doesn't that seem silly? Some explanation on this would be great. As at the moment, it seems there is a possibility for some to be very unhappy in their role. Also, if you wanted to switch the type of controller you are, could you? Or would this require retraining which NATS are unlikely to offer?
A further question I had while typing this is, how easy is it to switch between airports? Let's say you are assigned to Cardiff, is it possible to move to Manchester? If so, how is the process?
Thanks to anyone who answers. If you have already seen these answered, please post a link to the information. I know some might say to apply first, pass the assessments, then worry about these questions. But, the training is a large commitment. I would rather know now that I 100% want to do it than train for 2 years and realize I get paid less for more work; though, probably more interesting.
You might be hard pressed to find many people willing to openly share the pay scales. Essentially you’d look at about 10 years from bottom to top. This is based on experience however there are options for promotions which could increase salary.
Salary isn’t the end of the story though, there’s shift pay, ojti pay and overtime too. Even in a unit on the lowest scale (NERL & NSL only) you could probably hit the 6 figure mark without any promotions.
Regarding type of controller, you will ultimately end up where the business want you doing what they choose. Preferences may be taken into account and with the huge amount of courses being run in the next few years you might be luckier in that sense compared to previous years as there’s more space to put people.
That being said though while I’ve met many controllers who ended up somewhere they didn’t plan doing a type of controlling they wouldn’t have initially picked, I’ve yet to meet someone who wishes they didn’t pursue the job based on this.
Retraining paid for by NATS is very unlikely. Transferring isn’t too difficult however it can take some time if the unit you want to move to is over staffed or in demand already.
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 244
Likes: 23
From: UK
Transferring IS difficult. People that get a move are the exception not the rule. Don't plan on joining Nats with a view on a transfer because it can take a very long time or not happen at all.
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ringwood
Assessment Centre Dates - 8 August 2023
Hi all
Just wondering If anyone, like myself, got an email last week on the 2nd August that more dates for the assessment centre will be released today, Tuesday 8th August and on Thursday 10th August?
I have been refreshing and visiting the link all day but have yet to see any option to select a date appear.
Is anyone having a similar issue or has anyone been successful in selecting a date?
I'm just a bit lost as to what's going on at the moment!
Just wondering If anyone, like myself, got an email last week on the 2nd August that more dates for the assessment centre will be released today, Tuesday 8th August and on Thursday 10th August?
I have been refreshing and visiting the link all day but have yet to see any option to select a date appear.
Is anyone having a similar issue or has anyone been successful in selecting a date?
I'm just a bit lost as to what's going on at the moment!
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Ringwood
Nats Assessment Centre Dates
I think thats the way to go on Thursday morning.
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 321
Likes: 3
From: United Kingdom
Seems crazy that booking a Stage 3 assessment still relies on a Ticketmaster style refresh race..... I'm sure everyone will get their chance eventually, but it's all a bit chaotic. Why not just invite people to book in the order which they applied? 
They have been running Stage 3 assessments for 3+ months now, so I imagine they are filling up courses for 2024 already. What dates have people been offered recently?
They have been running Stage 3 assessments for 3+ months now, so I imagine they are filling up courses for 2024 already. What dates have people been offered recently?
Last edited by ManUtd1999; 9th August 2023 at 10:33.
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: England
I applied as soon as the applications opened (within the first 5 minutes of receiving the email that they had re-opened applications). I can't believe its taken literally months to book onto Stage 3.
I tried on Tuesday, but no luck. I woke up today and decided to refresh my page every 30 seconds since 9:00. Tedious, but at this point it's better than having to wait literal months to book on.
I didn't even bother reading the date when I booked on/see if there were any other dates available, too afraid that it might get snapped up by the time I confirm haha. Although I think there may have only been 1 option (Start of october), and I have a sneaky feeling that they won't be releasing any more assessment days any time soon.
I tried on Tuesday, but no luck. I woke up today and decided to refresh my page every 30 seconds since 9:00. Tedious, but at this point it's better than having to wait literal months to book on.
I didn't even bother reading the date when I booked on/see if there were any other dates available, too afraid that it might get snapped up by the time I confirm haha. Although I think there may have only been 1 option (Start of october), and I have a sneaky feeling that they won't be releasing any more assessment days any time soon.
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Ldn
I kept trying throughout the day on the 8th without any luck. Today I've been trying once again but with increased frequency, hitting the refresh button over and over more times than I can count. At about 10:20, to great surprise, it loaded a single date in early October. In the minute it took me to check calendars that I could make that day, when I clicked to confirm I got the no available dates message again. I was gutted.
But around 2 hours later I hit the lottery again and was offered a single date in September, which I confirmed immediately without even checking my schedule - I'll make it work!
Best of luck to any others trying, it seems to take a lot.
But around 2 hours later I hit the lottery again and was offered a single date in September, which I confirmed immediately without even checking my schedule - I'll make it work!
Best of luck to any others trying, it seems to take a lot.
