The NATS Application FORM
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 58
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From: Bristol, UK
The NATS Application FORM
I'm in the process of completing my application form for NATS for a position as a trainee ATCO. I'm concerned that my application will not be successful because my degree is so irrelevant to a career in aviation, and because I have next to no flying experience. I am, however, committed to this career path! It's just I don't believe the application gives me the opportunity to explain my decision-making.
I was therefore wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how I could make my application stand out so that I can at least meet the HR team face-to-face and explain myself.
I also tried contacting my local airport to arrange a visit to the tower but was refused for security reasons. How can I overcome this if I don't know any ATCOs personally??! The Manager did say whether my application was successful would not revolve around whether I'd visited a tower or not, but I wanted to show my interest and commitment.
I suppose I'm also wondering whether the application form itself matters that much - whether it's merely an opporunity to wipe out those who are obviously not suitable i.e. don't have the qualifications.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
I was therefore wondering if anyone could give me some tips on how I could make my application stand out so that I can at least meet the HR team face-to-face and explain myself.
I also tried contacting my local airport to arrange a visit to the tower but was refused for security reasons. How can I overcome this if I don't know any ATCOs personally??! The Manager did say whether my application was successful would not revolve around whether I'd visited a tower or not, but I wanted to show my interest and commitment.
I suppose I'm also wondering whether the application form itself matters that much - whether it's merely an opporunity to wipe out those who are obviously not suitable i.e. don't have the qualifications.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 15
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From: YVR
First of all take a deep breath and relax......
The application isnt much more than a way to gather your details and determine your suitability to apply for ATC or not. As long as you meet the minimum requirements as stated on NATS website you have nothing to worry about.
The way to HR's heart is to do well enough in each of the stages of the application process-These include testing and interviews. If you succeed at each stage you will be passed along to the next.
Make sure you have spelled your name correctly and submit your application and stop worrying mate.
best of luck to you!
The application isnt much more than a way to gather your details and determine your suitability to apply for ATC or not. As long as you meet the minimum requirements as stated on NATS website you have nothing to worry about.
The way to HR's heart is to do well enough in each of the stages of the application process-These include testing and interviews. If you succeed at each stage you will be passed along to the next.
Make sure you have spelled your name correctly and submit your application and stop worrying mate.
best of luck to you!
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 263
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From: Scotland
Absolutely as wordstwice said. Don't worry! If you've got a degree then you've got more qualifications than a very large number of past, present and probably future ATCOs. What you studied is of absolutely no relevance, you'll be taught all you need to know about ATC at the college.
Have you considered trying another couple of airports, either NATS or non-NATS? It might be worth travelling a bit further afield if necessary. Although your success (or failure) won't depend on whether you've visited a unit, it'll definitely be a plus if you can, as you'll get the chance to see the job first hand and meet a bunch of fresh, enthusiastic / crusty, cynical (delete as appropriate...) folks.
It is a great job, best of luck with your application!
Have you considered trying another couple of airports, either NATS or non-NATS? It might be worth travelling a bit further afield if necessary. Although your success (or failure) won't depend on whether you've visited a unit, it'll definitely be a plus if you can, as you'll get the chance to see the job first hand and meet a bunch of fresh, enthusiastic / crusty, cynical (delete as appropriate...) folks.
It is a great job, best of luck with your application!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 48
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From: Reading, UK
Fear not! As others have said, so long as you can justify the decisions you have made and explain why you feel ATC is the path for you, you'll be fine when it comes to the HR part. They're just looking for the right kind of people and you're already bridged a gap by posting for help on PPRuNe! Good luck with the application.
P.S. I have a degree in Teaching of all things! lol
P.S. I have a degree in Teaching of all things! lol
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 106
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From: QS, HH, FF
Well I have 5 GCSE's at grade C, and a A-Level at grade E, and I'm at the college as we speak.
So your education history is of no real concern, your motivation however is, so try to visit a tower, and then you can explain this on the form.
If you need any other help, feel free to PM me.
Ian.
So your education history is of no real concern, your motivation however is, so try to visit a tower, and then you can explain this on the form.
If you need any other help, feel free to PM me.
Ian.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 182
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From: Saffron Walden, UK
Hmmm................well, from what i have been advised by from the 'horses mouth' so to speak, and from my past interview experience, I understand that one needs to be tenacious, have the ability to multi-task and, dare i say it, not be too easily swayed from changing his/her mind when making decisions (depending on the situation of course).
An interest in aviation is helpful, but not essential.
How am I doing so far Gonzo?
An interest in aviation is helpful, but not essential.
How am I doing so far Gonzo?
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,432
Likes: 33
From: LHR/EGLL
HR do the stage 2, ATCOs and HR jointly do stage 3 (apart from a few recent exceptions when stages 2 and 3 were merged).
And yes, I am on the panel of ATCO interviewers.
Nobody's offered to bribe me yet, which has disappointed me. I'm very cheap you know!
And yes, I am on the panel of ATCO interviewers.
Nobody's offered to bribe me yet, which has disappointed me. I'm very cheap you know!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 182
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From: Saffron Walden, UK
Sorry to drone on Gonzo, but when you mention Stage 3, am i right in thinking that the new format involves the technical interview now merged with the HR interview- and there is a seperate written test on ATC? Oh yes and the group exercise too.
I believe this has changed since I attended stage 2 when the Tech. Interview, seperate HR interview and computer tests were all conducted on the same day.
Enthusiastic ATCO in anticipation.
I believe this has changed since I attended stage 2 when the Tech. Interview, seperate HR interview and computer tests were all conducted on the same day.
Enthusiastic ATCO in anticipation.
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7
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From: Shepperton/Salford
hello, my first post here. i am preparing for my selection tests next month and i understand there are four aptitude tests involving mental arithmetic, spatial ability, data checking and a diagramatic reasoning. Could anyone help me understand what is involved in the diagramatic reasoning questions?
many thanks
Harv
many thanks
Harv
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 58
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From: Bristol, UK
Thanks to everyone for their advice!
Sorry if I sounded like I was repeating several other threads - I just couldn't find anything relating to the form in particular.
Good luck to everyone else who's applying.
Sorry if I sounded like I was repeating several other threads - I just couldn't find anything relating to the form in particular.
Good luck to everyone else who's applying.
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 210
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From: LHR/Surrey
classicwings - My stage 2 on Monday is (apparently): computer tests, "structured" HR interview, motivation exam and a personality questionnaire (despite having done one online, so not sure if that bit will happen).
I'll let you know!
I'll let you know!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 210
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From: LHR/Surrey
howharvey - if you do a search on this forum you'll find a lot of stuff about it.
It's basically the "commands" test and the "cube" test now, the rest is checking numbers and letters. Commands is where you have a set of symbols that reflect changes that are to be made to a group of images (turn them upside down, reorder them, swap one with the other, etc). Your job is to choose which one of the set of final sequence of images reflects the changes that the commands suggest.
The dreaded cubes involves working out which one of a series of 3D cubes could be made from a 2D "flat-pack" image.
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/radar2001...lreasoning.htm
That sort of thing
HTH
It's basically the "commands" test and the "cube" test now, the rest is checking numbers and letters. Commands is where you have a set of symbols that reflect changes that are to be made to a group of images (turn them upside down, reorder them, swap one with the other, etc). Your job is to choose which one of the set of final sequence of images reflects the changes that the commands suggest.
The dreaded cubes involves working out which one of a series of 3D cubes could be made from a 2D "flat-pack" image.
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/radar2001...lreasoning.htm
That sort of thing
HTH
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 182
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From: Saffron Walden, UK
The dreaded cubes involves working out which one of a series of 3D cubes could be made from a 2D "flat-pack" image.
Yes and as I recall there are several different 2D ''flat-pack'' configurations presented to you -not just the standard 'cross' image to decipher.
Serious head-busters!
Yes and as I recall there are several different 2D ''flat-pack'' configurations presented to you -not just the standard 'cross' image to decipher.
Serious head-busters!