Is it worth me applying to NATS?
I say there boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, I owe you another update - and its that there is no news. I've had two seperate dates for the first round appraisals, and neither of them has been convenient for me. They must think I'm not interested but I'm just a busy chap...
I'm keeping the second half of March clear in case they hold one then (which seems to be the pattern).
cheers!
foggy.
I'm keeping the second half of March clear in case they hold one then (which seems to be the pattern).
cheers!
foggy.
I say there boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Success!!!
I thought I'd dredge up this old thread to announce that, this morning an A4 envelope dropped through my letterbox saying that I had been successful at interview and will be going to the College some time in 2005 (actual date to be confirmed).
So a big thank you to all who gave encouragement. It's taken a while to jump through all the hoops, but it was all worth it.
cheers!
foggy.
So a big thank you to all who gave encouragement. It's taken a while to jump through all the hoops, but it was all worth it.
cheers!
foggy.
aceatco, retired
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: one airshow or another
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Congratulations foghorn.
You applied in 2002, did the tests in 2003 and was interviewed in 2004 for a start date in 2005.
My second grandson is about to be born, maybe I should put his name down now. Bit like Eton really.
All the best
VA
You applied in 2002, did the tests in 2003 and was interviewed in 2004 for a start date in 2005.
My second grandson is about to be born, maybe I should put his name down now. Bit like Eton really.
All the best
VA
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Here there and everywhere
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congratulations Foghorn.
You should enjoy yourself at the college, but beware the 5%.
95% of the people you'll come across in the college are genuine and honest people who are there to help you.
If you get chance, I'd push to do aerodrome or approach, because it would give you more oportunity to to leave if the grapes become sower.
If you're starting in 2005 you'll be doing single rating courses due to the new european licencing, depending on where you're going to be posted, so tower would probably be more useful. (You'll get the same money as ACS as well if you go to EGLL. Don't listen to the sausage factory comment, it's rubbish!)
Once you get to the college, you'll find out about the rumour mill which, although is based on complete rumour, tends to be rather accurate.
At the moment, the rumour mill is saying student salaries are going to be cut to around 14K, because the college doesn't want to reward failure, but the good news is that the time it'll take to get your student licence is shorter, so the money will go up quicker.
Don't know if this has been confirmed yet though.
Good luck with the training
side-saddled
You should enjoy yourself at the college, but beware the 5%.
95% of the people you'll come across in the college are genuine and honest people who are there to help you.
If you get chance, I'd push to do aerodrome or approach, because it would give you more oportunity to to leave if the grapes become sower.
If you're starting in 2005 you'll be doing single rating courses due to the new european licencing, depending on where you're going to be posted, so tower would probably be more useful. (You'll get the same money as ACS as well if you go to EGLL. Don't listen to the sausage factory comment, it's rubbish!)
Once you get to the college, you'll find out about the rumour mill which, although is based on complete rumour, tends to be rather accurate.
At the moment, the rumour mill is saying student salaries are going to be cut to around 14K, because the college doesn't want to reward failure, but the good news is that the time it'll take to get your student licence is shorter, so the money will go up quicker.
Don't know if this has been confirmed yet though.
Good luck with the training
side-saddled
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congrats Fog,
My test dates are 22nd April in Bournemouth. I only submitted the application three days ago, so it's all good so far. Here's hoping they've sorted out the rest of the process too!
I have to admit that reading about all these long winded application processes is getting me down a bit, but as many have said, I'm sure it'll be worth it
More time to prepare at any rate!
Good luck to you at college.
Andy
My test dates are 22nd April in Bournemouth. I only submitted the application three days ago, so it's all good so far. Here's hoping they've sorted out the rest of the process too!
I have to admit that reading about all these long winded application processes is getting me down a bit, but as many have said, I'm sure it'll be worth it
More time to prepare at any rate!
Good luck to you at college.
Andy
Ohcirrej
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: This is the internet FFS.........
Posts: 2,921
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well done Foggy!!!! 
I would echo the wise words of Side-S and see if you can get yourself onto an Approach course (personal opinion of course
).
(BTW, how you been Mr. Grubby? Long time no see? Still providing constructive input?)
I would echo the wise words of Side-S and see if you can get yourself onto an Approach course (personal opinion of course
).(BTW, how you been Mr. Grubby? Long time no see? Still providing constructive input?)
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: scotland
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
side-saddled/jerricho,
I'd be interested to know why you suggest Approach. I'm assuming you guys are on that side of the fence. Generally, how do the area/approach specializations stack up against each other?
shift systems?
career prospects?
relative training timescales/difficulty?
employment opportunities outside of NATS (overseas)?
manning?
movment within the UK (voluntary or otherwise)?
ovetime opportunities?
morale?
pay scales for the average area/app atco over their first few years?
I appreciate most, if not all, of the above evolve and change as you progress and are by nature subjective. I also realise the manning requirements of NATS come first. However, as a future student i'll take advice wherever I can get it so if the opportunity to influence proceedings presents itself I can act with some knowledge.
thanks
I'd be interested to know why you suggest Approach. I'm assuming you guys are on that side of the fence. Generally, how do the area/approach specializations stack up against each other?
shift systems?
career prospects?
relative training timescales/difficulty?
employment opportunities outside of NATS (overseas)?
manning?
movment within the UK (voluntary or otherwise)?
ovetime opportunities?
morale?
pay scales for the average area/app atco over their first few years?
I appreciate most, if not all, of the above evolve and change as you progress and are by nature subjective. I also realise the manning requirements of NATS come first. However, as a future student i'll take advice wherever I can get it so if the opportunity to influence proceedings presents itself I can act with some knowledge.
thanks
I say there boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the well dones and tips.
Jerricho - I'd also be interested on your thoughts about approach by pm. I was thinking about Area only because I need as much stability in location as possible (remembering the infamous 'we can post you to the moon if we want to' NATS location caveat). This is for the missus' career - two moves in quick succession would cause her big problems.
Jerricho - I'd also be interested on your thoughts about approach by pm. I was thinking about Area only because I need as much stability in location as possible (remembering the infamous 'we can post you to the moon if we want to' NATS location caveat). This is for the missus' career - two moves in quick succession would cause her big problems.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: uk today, dunnunda tomorrow....
Age: 44
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rozi - nice to see a good enthusiastic post. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but a year from initial application is being a tad too optimistic - NATS don't seem to be able to recruit like most Multinationals/Civil Service/Armed Forces and it's going to be a bit more of a long haul.
Don't make any plans to move to Bournemouth before 2006 - most courses are full beyond 2005, you will get next to no information and will have probably forgotten that you applied in the 1st place by the time it comes round to do the testing, let alone any interview.....
Hopefully it has changed a bit, but 12 months is extremely optimistic. I reckon that an accurate (not being pessimistic here) estimate would be closer to 28-34 months to complete the process and go to Hurn, and that's if you're lucky.
Best to apply at the age of 12 to start at the age of 21.....
Best of luck - don't let the process put you off as it should all be worth it......
Don't make any plans to move to Bournemouth before 2006 - most courses are full beyond 2005, you will get next to no information and will have probably forgotten that you applied in the 1st place by the time it comes round to do the testing, let alone any interview.....
Hopefully it has changed a bit, but 12 months is extremely optimistic. I reckon that an accurate (not being pessimistic here) estimate would be closer to 28-34 months to complete the process and go to Hurn, and that's if you're lucky.
Best to apply at the age of 12 to start at the age of 21.....
Best of luck - don't let the process put you off as it should all be worth it......
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: uk today, dunnunda tomorrow....
Age: 44
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Andysawicki,
Not a lie, but not a truthful answer to your question - best get used to that attitude, the truth seems to scare HR somewhat
If you are applying from scratch now, then you've got a long wait. The "nice lady" was kindly referring to the interviews that are currently going on. These people have been in the "system" for 2 years or more now . Draw your own conclusions on the time scale, don't bank on it and don't drop any of your other plans as it might well be next year, or the next, or the one after that, before you actually get to go to the College.
There are a few threads you should take a peek at - if you look back 6-18 months on this subject you'll find a lot of peeved applicants. I myself applied back in Spring of 2002 and still haven't finished with the process.
Ask the "kind lady" to speak to the person who makes decisions on the recruitment timetable - I doubt they'd give you Summer 2005 as an answer if you asked "how long will it actually take from ab initio recruitment until I could possibly start at the college?". I can't imagine them lying outright to any of the candidates - bet you still think you'll be paid £18.5k plus living costs too..........(interesting thread on that too!)
Best of luck and lots of patience I'm afraid, unless things have changed radically (like they're sending students to be taught at Eurocontrol, DFS etc....... it's a big backlog and you're joining the back of the Q)
Damn, I hate being negative about this - let's hope it gets sorted out soon and improved for all the future applicants/students.
Not a lie, but not a truthful answer to your question - best get used to that attitude, the truth seems to scare HR somewhat
If you are applying from scratch now, then you've got a long wait. The "nice lady" was kindly referring to the interviews that are currently going on. These people have been in the "system" for 2 years or more now
. Draw your own conclusions on the time scale, don't bank on it and don't drop any of your other plans as it might well be next year, or the next, or the one after that, before you actually get to go to the College. There are a few threads you should take a peek at - if you look back 6-18 months on this subject you'll find a lot of peeved applicants. I myself applied back in Spring of 2002 and still haven't finished with the process.
Ask the "kind lady" to speak to the person who makes decisions on the recruitment timetable - I doubt they'd give you Summer 2005 as an answer if you asked "how long will it actually take from ab initio recruitment until I could possibly start at the college?". I can't imagine them lying outright to any of the candidates - bet you still think you'll be paid £18.5k plus living costs too..........(interesting thread on that too!)
Best of luck and lots of patience I'm afraid, unless things have changed radically (like they're sending students to be taught at Eurocontrol, DFS etc....... it's a big backlog and you're joining the back of the Q)
Damn, I hate being negative about this - let's hope it gets sorted out soon and improved for all the future applicants/students.
I say there boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Andy,
I agree with Weselfluren, the lady in question will be telling the truth only for people who have just completed the interview stage.
Nats HR seem to be interviewing a lot of people at the moment, partially clearing the huge backlog they built up, and partially seeing new people so those places will be filling up fast. If I had just sent in my form, I'd plan on going to the college in 2006 at the earliest.
I sent my form in September 2002 and I am probably on an April 2005 course!
cheers!
foggy.
I agree with Weselfluren, the lady in question will be telling the truth only for people who have just completed the interview stage.
Nats HR seem to be interviewing a lot of people at the moment, partially clearing the huge backlog they built up, and partially seeing new people so those places will be filling up fast. If I had just sent in my form, I'd plan on going to the college in 2006 at the earliest.
I sent my form in September 2002 and I am probably on an April 2005 course!
cheers!
foggy.
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: West Sussex
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm so sorry to write this, but Wes, please take the chip of your shoulder when giving people advice on the recruitment process.
Looking back, you failed to get in and unfortunately you waited a long time for this rejection, which appears to have happened on more than one occasion. You also still seem to be pursuing this as you feel that it’s unbelievable that the one person on the interview could have been qualified to reject you. Maybe those successful were better, and I hope it was not the attitude that "all the world is against me" that you purvey that lost you the chance.
Life is full of events like this, if it wasn't, my numbers would come up every Saturday night.
I'm sorry for you, you appear to have dedicated your life to this role, and maybe you are potentially the best there is, but s**t happens. Before it becomes all consuming, and damages your professional and social life, find something to fill your time with and move on.
Sorry to be harsh, but it gets a bit depressing reading your posts.
To all others, it takes some time, remember there are a lot more people that are applying than places, so HR can do what they want, they have the jobs, and you just want one.
Before anyone shouts, I too was waiting to get through, but I got offered another job that would take many years (if I was successful in application, testing, interview, CATC and validation) to match in salary, so I moved on. I have a wife and family (soon) to think of.
Now I can afford to finish my PPL and maybe look to buying a second hand Cessna soon, so I'm happy, I guess now I'll be taking the instruction rather than giving it.
Good luck to you all, and remember, good things come to those who wait.
Looking back, you failed to get in and unfortunately you waited a long time for this rejection, which appears to have happened on more than one occasion. You also still seem to be pursuing this as you feel that it’s unbelievable that the one person on the interview could have been qualified to reject you. Maybe those successful were better, and I hope it was not the attitude that "all the world is against me" that you purvey that lost you the chance.
Life is full of events like this, if it wasn't, my numbers would come up every Saturday night.
I'm sorry for you, you appear to have dedicated your life to this role, and maybe you are potentially the best there is, but s**t happens. Before it becomes all consuming, and damages your professional and social life, find something to fill your time with and move on.
Sorry to be harsh, but it gets a bit depressing reading your posts.
To all others, it takes some time, remember there are a lot more people that are applying than places, so HR can do what they want, they have the jobs, and you just want one.
Before anyone shouts, I too was waiting to get through, but I got offered another job that would take many years (if I was successful in application, testing, interview, CATC and validation) to match in salary, so I moved on. I have a wife and family (soon) to think of.
Now I can afford to finish my PPL and maybe look to buying a second hand Cessna soon, so I'm happy, I guess now I'll be taking the instruction rather than giving it.
Good luck to you all, and remember, good things come to those who wait.
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: uk today, dunnunda tomorrow....
Age: 44
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Garthy - only being honest about what's gone on in the past. I sincerely hope it is not going to happen for others in the future...
As for my "chip on the shoulder", well, let's just say it is well formed for reasons I can't divulge on this site for obvious reasons. I too have an excellent current career, but I WANTED to become an ATCO above anything else. They rejected me for non ATC reasons, citing "apparent lack of commitment" as one of them - that is pretty damn hard to accept.
Garthy, if you are happy to drop out of the process, then let's face it, ATC was probably not for you in the 1st place.
It's a long and tough struggle (or so it seems!), but I am trying to give a bit of honesty and realism here. NATS don't seem to be able to do that for the applicants......
Good luck to all who try. (a rather common positive theme to most of my posts, I'd have thought)
(and yes, if only I'd known about pprune in 2001 and seen similar posts - then I wouldn't have put off career moves, buying a house when it was 80k cheaper etc.)
As for my "chip on the shoulder", well, let's just say it is well formed for reasons I can't divulge on this site for obvious reasons. I too have an excellent current career, but I WANTED to become an ATCO above anything else. They rejected me for non ATC reasons, citing "apparent lack of commitment" as one of them - that is pretty damn hard to accept.
Garthy, if you are happy to drop out of the process, then let's face it, ATC was probably not for you in the 1st place.
It's a long and tough struggle (or so it seems!), but I am trying to give a bit of honesty and realism here. NATS don't seem to be able to do that for the applicants......
Good luck to all who try.
(a rather common positive theme to most of my posts, I'd have thought)(and yes, if only I'd known about pprune in 2001 and seen similar posts - then I wouldn't have put off career moves, buying a house when it was 80k cheaper etc.)
I say there boy
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
An update for all those who kindly told me to 'go for it'!
I have been confirmed to start at the College in March 2005. I've just given work advance notice of leaving, have started putting plans together to move down to Bournemouth and I must say I'm looking forward to it massively.
If anyone could pm me approximate salaries while validating and when validated that'd be grand. I've found some old stuff through search, but I know that the salary structure has changed quite radically over the last year or so.
cheers!
foggy.
I have been confirmed to start at the College in March 2005. I've just given work advance notice of leaving, have started putting plans together to move down to Bournemouth and I must say I'm looking forward to it massively.
If anyone could pm me approximate salaries while validating and when validated that'd be grand. I've found some old stuff through search, but I know that the salary structure has changed quite radically over the last year or so.
cheers!
foggy.