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NATS interview process

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Old 26th Sep 2008, 21:16
  #1481 (permalink)  
 
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Originally Posted by JonG
One of the questions is "Are you a member of any terrorist organisation?"
Yeah, they got me on that one, I was so close as well!
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Old 26th Sep 2008, 21:24
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What does the security clearance consist of, I take it just checking you're not a terrorist?
I doubt you'll find many answers to that question, I'm afraid.
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Old 27th Sep 2008, 08:44
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Does anyone know if theres anything out on the net that can simulate the computer test in stage 3 NATS?

Also does anyone know if this is similar to the system that Airways NZ uses?
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Old 27th Sep 2008, 15:51
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there isnt any computer testing at stage 3
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Old 27th Sep 2008, 22:00
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Part 3
The infamous and dreaded computer tests. Using an old BBC type monitor and a task specific keyboard (which has similarities with the keyboards used in Area Control Centres) with abcde buttons for each hand, a numberpad and some selection buttons. You have a few different tasks, all simple in theory but made complex by the high workload and quick speed required. Things like making moving numbers avoid each other by selecting one to 'destroy', categorising objects and numbers depending on a set of rules, but these rules can change mid game so be observant. Also, they might ask you to do this with one hand whilst at the same time answering maths questions with the other (sadly you only have one brain to use and very limited time)
Sorry this one.
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Old 28th Sep 2008, 14:15
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Is the information in this link true?

BBC NEWS | Business | Clearance to land

Out of every 100 who apply, only 1 gets on the training course?
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Old 28th Sep 2008, 14:18
  #1487 (permalink)  
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I think that may be referring to there being 3 parts to the Stage 2 day - being the motivational exam, the hr interview and the computer tests. There isn't any computerised testing at the 3rd and final selection event at this time.

However that quote is pretty accurate for the tests at stage 2...
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Old 28th Sep 2008, 17:50
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Stage 3 Interview Preparation

So, I've made it to stage 3, what form do the interviews take? What are they going to ask? Anything I can do to prepare? Besides visit a tower...


Any help appreciated,

Cheers
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Old 29th Sep 2008, 09:12
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So basically, it's going to be solid. And it's probably all going to go horribly wrong? Nice. Is this feeling of not being good enough got any base? Or is it just a feeling?

I.e, if you feel like you're not getting in, is that the case?
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Old 29th Sep 2008, 11:02
  #1490 (permalink)  
 
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rather than "some guy on a forum told me to".
Ah yes, the thankfully infrequently-quoted response: "Well, I read the answer to that question on PPRuNe!"



<cue much rubbing of hands....>
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Old 29th Sep 2008, 18:01
  #1491 (permalink)  
 
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Could I ask the people who have recently had their stage 1s if they felt that the talk and discussion with the 'ATCO' present was useful to them?

Recently, trainees have been sent down as opposed to qualified controllers to give a more "real" insight into what is to come for those going through - did you find that useful, or would you have preferred a discussion with someone more experienced who's been doing the job for years?

Just curious to get some feedback as I was doing the stage 1 in London recently as a trainee.
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Old 29th Sep 2008, 19:29
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I have recently done my stage 1 in Manchester, and thought that the chat we had with the trainee was good.

In my opinion, he was possibly in a better position to describe the stages, training, college, etc than someone who had done it 10-15 years ago.

Possibly having someone experienced to talk about the job might be something worthwhile at a later stage, maybe to prepare you for interview, etc.
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Old 30th Sep 2008, 19:43
  #1493 (permalink)  
 
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I'm due for my Stage One have swotted up as much as I can (!) on all of the information sent at: http://natscareers.co.uk/docs/test_m! aterials.doc ...for the "motivational questionnaire". But what does the motivational questionnaire actually set out to do? Is it a test of how interested you really are in order to remember all of the information given in the document or is it personality-based too? What format does it take?

Thanks.
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Old 1st Oct 2008, 02:30
  #1494 (permalink)  
 
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Part 1
A motivation interview with an HR person where they ask you loads of scripted questions and you give as much or as little detail as you feel, but the HR person can't deviate from the script so you have to judge it yourself.

Part 2
A knowledge test where you answer some multi-choice questions based on the booklet they provided you a link to for Stage 2. Remember things like a/c types and NATS airports, codes etc. but also be prepared to do some simple maths re. headings, airspeeds and flight times etc. No rush on this as there's more than enough time to complete, unlike the Stage 1 tests.

Part 3
The infamous and dreaded computer tests. Using an old BBC type monitor and a task specific keyboard (which has similarities with the keyboards used in Area Control Centres) with abcde buttons for each hand, a numberpad and some selection buttons. You have a few different tasks, all simple in theory but made complex by the high workload and quick speed required. Things like making moving numbers avoid each other by selecting one to 'destroy', categorising objects and numbers depending on a set of rules, but these rules can change mid game so be observant. Also, they might ask you to do this with one hand whilst at the same time answering maths questions with the other (sadly you only have one brain to use and very limited time)


Wait, I thought it was only Motivational paper, meeting with atcos spatial reasoning and numerical reasoning at stage 1?
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Old 1st Oct 2008, 08:15
  #1495 (permalink)  
 
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I think that refers to the parts of Stage 2, as opposed to the three stages. (i.e., Stage 1 has the spatial reasoning, atco meet and motivation test, Stage 2 has the three parts mentioned above, and Stage 3 has god-knows-what)
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Old 1st Oct 2008, 09:32
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Just received my email confirming passing the questionnaire. I now have to fill in the online application form. Is it a basic app form, or do I have to prepare the usual app form questions. Is there any way I can start it, then save it to carry on later if some of my answers need more draft work, etc.

Thanks
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Old 1st Oct 2008, 16:58
  #1497 (permalink)  
 
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Hello, does anyone have any idea what percentage you have to get on the motivation paper at stage 2 to pass it? Thanks.
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Old 1st Oct 2008, 20:09
  #1498 (permalink)  
 
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70 per cent or over I believe.
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Old 1st Oct 2008, 21:50
  #1499 (permalink)  
 
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Certainly during ATC College and unit training, this is expected. I believe all aviation examinations require a minimum of 70% as a pass.
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Old 3rd Oct 2008, 15:00
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Hey people, I have my stage 2 in Hampshire on the 15th October. I was just wondering if there is a way to get to the HQ from southampton airport at about 11am other than jumping in the nearest taxi?
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