NATS interview process

[Azelas]

Hey I was told a start date of 27th of January at Whiteley so I assume we'll be on the same course. Sadly I don't know anything more than that right now.

[tinypear]

Hi, yeah that's my start date too!! So excited to get going!

[JonnySpittal]

Hello,

If anyone is starting at NATS in Whiteley in the coming months I have a 2 bedroom flat that's available for rent. To keep a keep a long story short I was unsuccessful with training and looking to move out of Whiteley. If anyone's interested and wants more info on the place you can whataspp me on 07450946215.

Thanks,

Jonny

[Futurairtrafficer_97]

Stage 3

Anyone heard back after last week assessment v

[Peterharris1997]

Is anyone still waiting for stage 3? My account still says in progress and I have not had a rejection email ?

[Sjelse]

Gloucester course schedule

Hello!
Does anyone know how long each of the courses run for at Gloucester?
I’ve heard it’s like 10 weeks on, 1 off, and would love a bit of clarification if anyone has a timetable or is currently there now ☺️
Thanks!

[Bojan Donevski]

Don't know how it is now, and I think it depends on the course size, but our course was like that (10 weeks on 1 week off). We started 1st of March and finished like 8th of November a few years ago.

[rockwing]

Originally Posted by tinypear

Hi guys, got my start date confirmed as Jan 2025 a couple of weeks ago! I was told I could expect to be contacted by the training team at some point with further information about the course - does anyone know about around when I can expect to hear from them, and what information I should expect? I’d also like to know any tips/info about the course if anyone has any! Thank you!!

You probably won't get any further info from the training team til early Jan TBH, but honestly there's no preparation or anything you need to do in advance. The working hours are 0800-1600, however expect shorter days in the first few weeks. There's a cafe on site, or plenty of fridge space and microwaves to bring your own food in. It's a great training environment, I'm really enjoying it!

[Sjelse]

24th March Gloucester

Anyone else starting 24th March in Gloucester? Feel free to drop me a message, would love to start getting to know others on the course ☺️

[ATC beginner]

Location choice

I have been offered the job but i am confused either to take Gloucester or Whitley… someone been in same position?

whst is your experience been at both plzces

[rockwing]

Originally Posted by ATC beginner

I have been offered the job but i am confused either to take Gloucester or Whitley… someone been in same position?

whst is your experience been at both plzces

The course at Gloucester is for Tower & Approach only, so you would be posted to a aerodrome to work in a tower after completing the course. This could be any tower in the UK that NATS is contracted to.

The course at Whiteley is for Area only, so you would be posted to either Swanwick or Prestwick after completing the course. (A small number of trainees are streamed Approach and could also end up at a Tower, however the vast majority of Approach controllers will be posted to Swanwick TC).

[ATC beginner]

Which is a better choice if given option and how is everyone doing about accommodation any suggestions

[ATC beginner]

Originally Posted by rockwing

The course at Gloucester is for Tower & Approach only, so you would be posted to a aerodrome to work in a tower after completing the course. This could be any tower in the UK that NATS is contracted to.

The course at Whiteley is for Area only, so you would be posted to either Swanwick or Prestwick after completing the course. (A small number of trainees are streamed Approach and could also end up at a Tower, however the vast majority of Approach controllers will be posted to Swanwick TC).

How is it decided who will get area or approach?

[ATC beginner]

Originally Posted by tinypear

Hi guys, got my start date confirmed as Jan 2025 a couple of weeks ago! I was told I could expect to be contacted by the training team at some point with further information about the course - does anyone know about around when I can expect to hear from them, and what information I should expect? I’d also like to know any tips/info about the course if anyone has any! Thank you!!

where are you starting and where you staying if in whitley

[ATC beginner]

Anyone starting at Whitley in Jan 25 where you are looking for accommodations etc share please

[ATC beginner]

Originally Posted by Azelas

Hey I was told a start date of 27th of January at Whiteley so I assume we'll be on the same course. Sadly I don't know anything more than that right now.

can i PM you i be starting at Whitley yoo

[Sjelse]

Originally Posted by ATC beginner

How is it decided who will get area or approach?

I believe it’s a mix of how highly you score in each area, which units need controllers and what you put as a preference towards the end of the course - hope this helps! ☺️

[Flight Master]

Originally Posted by Sjelse

I believe it’s a mix of how highly you score in each area, which units need controllers and what you put as a preference towards the end of the course - hope this helps! ☺️

Nah that’s not quite the case.

Which basic courses end up doing which rating is most likely determined months in advance based on availability/business needs further down the line, sims, instructors etc. As for who ends up on which course is most likely down to luck and what courses are coming up when they can offer you a date.

If they only have Whiteley courses running, you’re going to Whiteley. If they have Gloucester courses as well you might get offered a choice or they might just stick you on one or the other.

Ability and needs at units comes into play later down the line once you’re reaching the end of the rating course.

[ATC beginner]

How long are the courses

If starting at Whitley how long are the courses before you get moved from basic salary to higher… from research 2.5 to 3 years are long time on basic salary

[Juggler25]

Originally Posted by ATC beginner

If starting at Whitley how long are the courses before you get moved from basic salary to higher… from research 2.5 to 3 years are long time on basic salary

If all you're fussed about is money you're going to go nowhere fast. Asking how long it takes to validate it like asking how long is a piece of string, it takes as long as it takes assuming you're good enough. You could easily be in the system for 4 years before validating if you fail various courses along the way and have to wait for recourses. And you could be training for 4 years and then be deemed not good enough and shown the door. Remember, you're being trained to take responsibility for thousands of peoples lives. It requires a certain mindset and ability and years of training to demonstrate you're capable enough.

Also remember, while training you're not generating the company any income. There are plenty of other areas within aviation (think flying school) where you're paid nothing at all and have to pay tens of thousands of pounds for your training. So to be paid mid to high £20k while training isn't so bad.