NATS ATSA vacancy
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Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: London
Age: 39
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I've been in the optical world for the last 7 years...
The end game plan is to one day become an ATCO.
I've tried the NATS cadet path but sadly didnt make it thru.
Now currently waiting in the 12 month mourning period before retakes.
I thought better use of this time would be to try the ATSA path rather then wasting yet another year at the opticians.
IMHO it seems like the ATSA path is under-rated, as the ATSA's that I have met seem to be on the ball when it comes to ATC knowledge - kinda like an apprenticeship without the title.
The end game plan is to one day become an ATCO.
I've tried the NATS cadet path but sadly didnt make it thru.
Now currently waiting in the 12 month mourning period before retakes.
I thought better use of this time would be to try the ATSA path rather then wasting yet another year at the opticians.
IMHO it seems like the ATSA path is under-rated, as the ATSA's that I have met seem to be on the ball when it comes to ATC knowledge - kinda like an apprenticeship without the title.
Disappointed
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Scotland
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Absolutely, the ATSA role is still an invaluable one, especially when it comes to areas like training and simulation. You won't find me dissing ATSA's in any way, shape or form.
Well, apart from the highly paid ones that sit in Ops rooms reading the papers / chatting to mates whilst there's work to be done.....but that's a different story.
Operationally, they're becoming scarce, or at least in NATS over the next few years they will be with EFD and various other things.
That said, some of the best (how do we define a "best" ATCO I wonder) ATCOs were once assistants.
Time served as an ATSA however would stand you in good stead for an ATCO course. As would any exposure to the aviation / airline industry in general, don't discount things like Ops if you don't strike lucky with an ATSA post.
Also, if you're not afraid of moving elsewhere, there may be ATSA posts at other units across the country that you should be up for. At my own unit we've taken on a great deal of ATSA staff over the last year or so, admittedly working via a contractor, to fill vital roles. So there are chances around if you look and try hard enough.
Well, apart from the highly paid ones that sit in Ops rooms reading the papers / chatting to mates whilst there's work to be done.....but that's a different story.
Operationally, they're becoming scarce, or at least in NATS over the next few years they will be with EFD and various other things.
That said, some of the best (how do we define a "best" ATCO I wonder) ATCOs were once assistants.
Time served as an ATSA however would stand you in good stead for an ATCO course. As would any exposure to the aviation / airline industry in general, don't discount things like Ops if you don't strike lucky with an ATSA post.
Also, if you're not afraid of moving elsewhere, there may be ATSA posts at other units across the country that you should be up for. At my own unit we've taken on a great deal of ATSA staff over the last year or so, admittedly working via a contractor, to fill vital roles. So there are chances around if you look and try hard enough.
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Where are most of these posts advertised? Locally, or is there any avaiation/atc publication?
I mainly seem to stumble upon the websites of airports a few days after the closing date has passed.
I don't really mind moving at all any place in the UK really, as I believe in the long-term it will work out a lot better for me and my family.. plus it will be a bit of an adventure to get out of hum-drum london.
Currently I've mainly been sending c.v. out at batches of 10-15 at ago to aerodromes published in the AIP. Any other suggestions?
I mainly seem to stumble upon the websites of airports a few days after the closing date has passed.
I don't really mind moving at all any place in the UK really, as I believe in the long-term it will work out a lot better for me and my family.. plus it will be a bit of an adventure to get out of hum-drum london.
Currently I've mainly been sending c.v. out at batches of 10-15 at ago to aerodromes published in the AIP. Any other suggestions?
Join Date: Dec 2008
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How about an ATCO in the RAF?, I am an ex assistant, still with NATS, but as has been pointed out, their role is being phased out, you are doing the right things don't let it get you down, keep trying someone will notice you
Join Date: Dec 2008
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If you hate your job that much, taking a lower paid job(and some of them are very poorly paid) at an airport might be more relevant, but it's not that great in aviation at the moment looking at the other threads on here. sorry not to be more positive
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Just my thoughts, but based on my experience as a recruiter in my current field, I'd be wary of saying that you want to be an ATCO. I know that it demonstrates ambition and interest in the field, but if I were shortlisting I'd be concerned that I'd spend x months training someone with very little experience up to the level required to be a good ATSA, and then they'd leave as soon as they could become an ATCO (NATS cadetship or aerodrome willing to sponsor).
Not trying to be harsh, but just my experience elsewhere!
Not trying to be harsh, but just my experience elsewhere!
