July 03 course to become Jan 04?
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Well, I think our Wannabes have a valid and relevant point. It does take an unreasonable amount of time between first applying for the job and actually starting on a course.
With respect to all those in process who I am sure give their best and are dedicated, why is it taking so long ??
If it's down to resource in the HR side, then NATS needs to address that.
After all, these young guys and girls are our future. We need them (like yesterday) to help us fill up the shortfall so that we can reach operational strength and that's not even thinking about the retirement bulges which are coming up shortly. Plus all our future early retirement plans rely on the people being there to replace us
If it's down to the actual tests themselves, then why can't we concentrate the testing process into a shorter time ? Many airline type selection rounds take place over a couple of days. Day 1 weeds out some people (like our phase 1) and then day 2 is used to select those who get offered the jobs. Follow that up with a medical and hey presto, a candidate for the College in a couple of days. OK, there is now probably a delay in getting to start at the College, but at least candidates then know there is only that time period to hang on and they can relax a bit.
Either way, I don't think that the organisation is doing itself, or the young (and some not so young) people any favours. And we do lose people because of this process ... either because they can't hang on forever ... or they go elsewhere which can process them in a reasonable timescale.
To all those trying, keep up the hard work and the dedication. What's for you won't go by you !!!
With respect to all those in process who I am sure give their best and are dedicated, why is it taking so long ??
If it's down to resource in the HR side, then NATS needs to address that.
After all, these young guys and girls are our future. We need them (like yesterday) to help us fill up the shortfall so that we can reach operational strength and that's not even thinking about the retirement bulges which are coming up shortly. Plus all our future early retirement plans rely on the people being there to replace us
If it's down to the actual tests themselves, then why can't we concentrate the testing process into a shorter time ? Many airline type selection rounds take place over a couple of days. Day 1 weeds out some people (like our phase 1) and then day 2 is used to select those who get offered the jobs. Follow that up with a medical and hey presto, a candidate for the College in a couple of days. OK, there is now probably a delay in getting to start at the College, but at least candidates then know there is only that time period to hang on and they can relax a bit.
Either way, I don't think that the organisation is doing itself, or the young (and some not so young) people any favours. And we do lose people because of this process ... either because they can't hang on forever ... or they go elsewhere which can process them in a reasonable timescale.
To all those trying, keep up the hard work and the dedication. What's for you won't go by you !!!
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Pprune Radar
Personally the problem was not with the amount of time taken over testing, do expect a couple of months between application and second interview and a job offer. What got to me was the timespan of over a year between job offer and the ability to start training (what other job would you expect that sort of time lag?) and the expectation to put your life on hold for that period.
Think that I was in the same position as Mr 777 in the regard that I did really want to become part of the organisation, but I am on a later course and my patience just got too thin - so I accepted another job.
Just like to respond to Down Ampney's post in that I didn't think that NATS "owed" me anything. I was honored to get offered a place and the amount of work that I did before an interview was just the same as doing work to go for any job, research into the company etc. The only thing that you could say you are owed is a bit of common courtesy and a department that tells you a definate answer as to what is going to happen to your carear. Not just fob you off and not be able to give you any answers and make you feel like your bothering them.
Personally the problem was not with the amount of time taken over testing, do expect a couple of months between application and second interview and a job offer. What got to me was the timespan of over a year between job offer and the ability to start training (what other job would you expect that sort of time lag?) and the expectation to put your life on hold for that period.
Think that I was in the same position as Mr 777 in the regard that I did really want to become part of the organisation, but I am on a later course and my patience just got too thin - so I accepted another job.
Just like to respond to Down Ampney's post in that I didn't think that NATS "owed" me anything. I was honored to get offered a place and the amount of work that I did before an interview was just the same as doing work to go for any job, research into the company etc. The only thing that you could say you are owed is a bit of common courtesy and a department that tells you a definate answer as to what is going to happen to your carear. Not just fob you off and not be able to give you any answers and make you feel like your bothering them.
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HR
Goidel,
hear hear!
Attitudes, the way information is distributed (email/phone/letter), the lack of information and the perceived lack of direction from above all need to be looked at. Again, I agree with mr.777 - that Patience is wearing thin, and this is with people who have gone past the wannabe (name says it all
) stage and have been offered places on a course - not wasters or no hopers. If you are going to discourage others, "because you can", then that doesn't send a good image of nats at all. I just hope that these views are getting through to the policy makers, as they can affect the process. Doubt it's from lack of effort from HR - they probably know as little as we do!
Now I know why the ATCO at stage one told us about pprune!
To those who seem to think that we should not expect anything from NATS - DA, you are so popular with that remark!
What world do you live in? Obviously we will only succeed if we make the grade. If we do, and prior to that, we can expect to recieve the full attention of the organisation. After all, we are the future (well said Pprune Radar) and the golden rule in HR (not a Brentism) is that "the most valuable resource, is your human resource". This process is proving quite a rollercoaster, for all involved (that includes the girlfriend and the goldfish), and apparently not caring doesn't help 
.
Afterall, I like to think I'm human.........
hear hear!
The only thing that you could say you are owed is a bit of common courtesy and a department that tells you a definate answer as to what is going to happen to your carear. Not just fob you off and not be able to give you any answers and make you feel like your bothering them.
) stage and have been offered places on a course - not wasters or no hopers. If you are going to discourage others, "because you can", then that doesn't send a good image of nats at all. I just hope that these views are getting through to the policy makers, as they can affect the process. Doubt it's from lack of effort from HR - they probably know as little as we do! Now I know why the ATCO at stage one told us about pprune!
To those who seem to think that we should not expect anything from NATS - DA, you are so popular with that remark!
You seem to think that because you have done a lot of hard work for the interviews etc you are owed something. That is not the case. I am sure you realise that many who do an equal amount of work, or more, will not be selected. That might be the case for you, so prepare yourself for disappointment if it happens.
This process is proving quite a rollercoaster, for all involved (that includes the girlfriend and the goldfish), and apparently not caring doesn't help .Afterall, I like to think I'm human.........
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Hi,
I have been watching this thread with interest.
I would just like to stay not to give up on the application, despite any problems, howsoever caused.
I applied in Mid 2001, sat my first tests just before Sept 11th 2001, had a "Near Miss" for technical, had problems with the medical over colour perception, had to wait a long time for an offer but have just had my first week as a Trainee.
Most of the people on my course have had "issues" along the way, but it certainly makes us even more determined to do well.
I have been watching this thread with interest.
I would just like to stay not to give up on the application, despite any problems, howsoever caused.
I applied in Mid 2001, sat my first tests just before Sept 11th 2001, had a "Near Miss" for technical, had problems with the medical over colour perception, had to wait a long time for an offer but have just had my first week as a Trainee.
Most of the people on my course have had "issues" along the way, but it certainly makes us even more determined to do well.
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Know what you mean about ''die waiting'', I'm worried that I'll be drawing my pension before I've paid into it at this rate.
Well, when I started the topic I never expected this response, I must say, just some answers really (which I still haven't got, by all accounts!) But is IS good to hear that I'm not the only one getting a tad frustrated by it all. I don't necessarily think that the current situation is a reflection on either NATS or it's HR department, but that we are unfortunate enough to be affected due to the seemingly bad timing of our applications.
Hope this helps to keep some of you positive.
Actually, I almost even convinced myself..................
MR XxX
Hey FB, how's your boss taking it??
Well, when I started the topic I never expected this response, I must say, just some answers really (which I still haven't got, by all accounts!) But is IS good to hear that I'm not the only one getting a tad frustrated by it all. I don't necessarily think that the current situation is a reflection on either NATS or it's HR department, but that we are unfortunate enough to be affected due to the seemingly bad timing of our applications.
Hope this helps to keep some of you positive.
Actually, I almost even convinced myself..................
MR XxX
Hey FB, how's your boss taking it??
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Chin up chick! Atleast we're one of the lucky ******s who've got in. It could be worse....mmmm. Anyway one day we'll get to the promised land. I almost sound convincing, well to my self anyway.
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Hey MR
My boss is taking it quite well actually (in truth I think he's glad that there's light at the end of the tunnel for him as well!!!! i.e. he can't wait to get rid of me!!!) although he got very upset that I still got my annual salary increase despite the fact i've told them i'm leaving!!
Just to explain to anyone who might be interested (probably no-one!!! ) about three weeks ago I got a phone call from HR asking if it was ok now to contact my current employers. I asked if they could put it off for a few days as I hadn't actually told my current employers
. Anyway, I went into work the next day and proceeded to tell everyone I was leaving (with a huge smile on my face I have to admit) only to find out about 10 minutes later from an as yet unconfirmed rumour on pprune that the course is 99% certain to be cancelled!!
I was not exactly amused, but I get the impression that that's nowhere near what my boss was thinking at the time!! 
Since then I think he's just resigned himself to the inevitable, but I seem to be getting all the cr@ppy jobs going now!! Can't think why . Only positive thing is they can't exactly sack me and I haven't actually handed in my notice yet, just informed them I will be leaving at some point, so i'm fine to carry on in this hell-hole...ermm...company, I mean, until I start at CATC.
It would be a weight off my mind if they could let me know for definite but as I've said before, its a career I really want to have. So if it means waiting an extra 3 or 6 months, then hard as it may be to keep doing the mundane 9-5, and as much as my boss'll get more and more annoyed by my extreme apathy to the work I do at the minute, i'll do it.
Anyway, on to more important matters, MR, when are we all going to get together to get drunk?!?
FB
My boss is taking it quite well actually (in truth I think he's glad that there's light at the end of the tunnel for him as well!!!! i.e. he can't wait to get rid of me!!!) although he got very upset that I still got my annual salary increase despite the fact i've told them i'm leaving!!
Just to explain to anyone who might be interested (probably no-one!!!
) about three weeks ago I got a phone call from HR asking if it was ok now to contact my current employers. I asked if they could put it off for a few days as I hadn't actually told my current employers . Anyway, I went into work the next day and proceeded to tell everyone I was leaving (with a huge smile on my face I have to admit) only to find out about 10 minutes later from an as yet unconfirmed rumour on pprune that the course is 99% certain to be cancelled!!I was not exactly amused, but I get the impression that that's nowhere near what my boss was thinking at the time!!
Since then I think he's just resigned himself to the inevitable, but I seem to be getting all the cr@ppy jobs going now!! Can't think why
. Only positive thing is they can't exactly sack me and I haven't actually handed in my notice yet, just informed them I will be leaving at some point, so i'm fine to carry on in this hell-hole...ermm...company, I mean, until I start at CATC.It would be a weight off my mind if they could let me know for definite but as I've said before, its a career I really want to have. So if it means waiting an extra 3 or 6 months, then hard as it may be to keep doing the mundane 9-5, and as much as my boss'll get more and more annoyed by my extreme apathy to the work I do at the minute, i'll do it.
Anyway, on to more important matters, MR, when are we all going to get together to get drunk?!?
FB
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Why is it that we never hear of any Eurocontrol applicants having similar problems with that process?
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Well folks it looks to be official. Received a letter today saying that July has been cancelled and I'm on the Oct course which will also have a reduced intake. Pretty frustrating as I've been psyched up for months now but what can you do? 
Was quite looking forward to spending the summer in Bournemouth but it looks like the team bonding/drinking will have to wait. Ach well, hope the rest of you are coping ok.
Was quite looking forward to spending the summer in Bournemouth but it looks like the team bonding/drinking will have to wait. Ach well, hope the rest of you are coping ok.
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Hey Von, I'm your coursemate - also heard today I'm on the Oct course. Poor old FB and crewman have been shunted back to Jan! (Don't worry lads, I'll leave you some frozen home-made meals in BOH!) And, FB, know what you mean about cr@p jobs, I have a whole summer season to work now!!!!!! 
Anyway else find out their fate?
MR XxX
PS WX Man I texted you on your Lux mobile last week as I have a new mobile number, if you didnt get it can you mail me your current mobile number? Cheers hun
Anyway else find out their fate?
MR XxX
PS WX Man I texted you on your Lux mobile last week as I have a new mobile number, if you didnt get it can you mail me your current mobile number? Cheers hun
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Hey all.
I have indeed been shunted onto the January 04 course. Its not the best news I've had as I was also looking forward to starting, but at least I know for definite now and can start planning for January.
Looking on the bright side, it does mean the course will be shorter (barring any recourses of course!!! ) so although we'll be starting later, we should still hope to leave the college at roughly the same time as we would've done had we started on the old course in July. And it means the course has been restructured, revamped and is tailor made for our needs, so all in all, its not too bad.
However, I do sympathise with people who have quit jobs etc in the assumption that they would have a couple of months off prior to starting in July as it now means they'll be left in the lurch come the start of July.
Anyone else know if they'll be starting in January??
FB
ps MR, I still think you should ask to be put on the January course as well cos frozen meals are no substitute for the real thing!!
I have indeed been shunted onto the January 04 course. Its not the best news I've had as I was also looking forward to starting, but at least I know for definite now and can start planning for January.
Looking on the bright side, it does mean the course will be shorter (barring any recourses of course!!!
) so although we'll be starting later, we should still hope to leave the college at roughly the same time as we would've done had we started on the old course in July. And it means the course has been restructured, revamped and is tailor made for our needs, so all in all, its not too bad. However, I do sympathise with people who have quit jobs etc in the assumption that they would have a couple of months off prior to starting in July as it now means they'll be left in the lurch come the start of July.
Anyone else know if they'll be starting in January??
FB
ps MR, I still think you should ask to be put on the January course as well cos frozen meals are no substitute for the real thing!!
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People! Here's one way to deal - I got NATS to put me off for another six months, which I'll spend bumming and working casual jobs in Australia after I leave the USA. Avoids all the uncertainty (hopefully).
MR, this is perfect! Means I'll be able to eat your meals AND copy off your notes!
cb9002
MR, this is perfect! Means I'll be able to eat your meals AND copy off your notes!
cb9002
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Well guys i admire your persistence! It is that sort of attitude that will get you through any future setbacks (there might be the odd one or two!) and it is exactly that sort of character NATS needs. I hate to say it but the organisation at CATC is often on a par with what you are putting up with now so at least this is good preparation
Keep looking out for each other at college and you'll be pushin' the planes in no time leaving the whole sorry application process behind you!
Best of luck to all of you, i promise it is all worth it!!!
RP45
Keep looking out for each other at college and you'll be pushin' the planes in no time leaving the whole sorry application process behind you!
Best of luck to all of you, i promise it is all worth it!!!
RP45
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How long do these frozen meals last for?
Looks like it'll be a long, hard ride for us wannabes.....
Whilst on the subject - does this mean that for those not yet "processed", the ealiest we can realistically hope for is a summer 2004 start?? HR/Nats in general don't like giving out information......
The Oz idea does sound good, although I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to put you on the "next available" course, just as you've got to kakadu, tahiti etc. Enjoy it, it's well worth the round trip. Don't think they'll let in the Goldfish though (or girlfriend - been too many times already......)
Looks like it'll be a long, hard ride for us wannabes.....
Whilst on the subject - does this mean that for those not yet "processed", the ealiest we can realistically hope for is a summer 2004 start?? HR/Nats in general don't like giving out information......
The Oz idea does sound good, although I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to put you on the "next available" course, just as you've got to kakadu, tahiti etc. Enjoy it, it's well worth the round trip. Don't think they'll let in the Goldfish though (or girlfriend - been too many times already......)
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Hey MR,
I will send you a SMS from my new (well, not so new now) Dutch mobile, but I doubt whether you'll be able to SMS be back. Most people back home have problems doing so. Gremlins in the UK mobile phone system I think.
If you still want to come and visit, you are most welcome. RYR are flying from EGSS to EHBK from the beginning of next month, I think they have a special on where you can get singles for £9, plus the usual £400 government royalties (or whatever Mr Brown has decreed).
Alternatively, you could go EGCC to EBBR (and possibly fly through the Delta sector... way hay!)
I will send you a SMS from my new (well, not so new now) Dutch mobile, but I doubt whether you'll be able to SMS be back. Most people back home have problems doing so. Gremlins in the UK mobile phone system I think.
If you still want to come and visit, you are most welcome. RYR are flying from EGSS to EHBK from the beginning of next month, I think they have a special on where you can get singles for £9, plus the usual £400 government royalties (or whatever Mr Brown has decreed).
Alternatively, you could go EGCC to EBBR (and possibly fly through the Delta sector... way hay!)
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I'm a newbie here, but I have been lurking!
I am supposed to be on the July 03 course as well, but was motivated to register as I haven't heard anything yet!
Basically getting the job was a COMPLETE surprise. I have always wanted to do it and applied thinking I would regret it if I didn't, even if I didn't get through.
Anyhow, I am on the course, despite the man at LATCC who told me that I wasn't clued up enough to get through... I would be rude about him...but I'm sure some of you ATCOs know him.....
I haven't exactly made the best start to my new career, I was 2 hours late for my medical, due to my flight arriving about 3 hours late into LHR and having to help an old lady phone her son that she couldn't find...anyway, I digress!
I don't think I am as enthusiastic about this job as some of you lot. Please don't beat me down about this, I know I am very lucky to have got the job. I can't seem to get excited about the idea about living in Bournemouth. Ah well.
I had to have an extra eye test at my optician which may be why things may be delayed. But he said he didn't think there would be a problem, we shall see....
Well, I shall let you know if I hear anything.
I am supposed to be on the July 03 course as well, but was motivated to register as I haven't heard anything yet!
Basically getting the job was a COMPLETE surprise. I have always wanted to do it and applied thinking I would regret it if I didn't, even if I didn't get through.
Anyhow, I am on the course, despite the man at LATCC who told me that I wasn't clued up enough to get through... I would be rude about him...but I'm sure some of you ATCOs know him.....
I haven't exactly made the best start to my new career, I was 2 hours late for my medical, due to my flight arriving about 3 hours late into LHR and having to help an old lady phone her son that she couldn't find...anyway, I digress!
I don't think I am as enthusiastic about this job as some of you lot. Please don't beat me down about this, I know I am very lucky to have got the job. I can't seem to get excited about the idea about living in Bournemouth. Ah well.
I had to have an extra eye test at my optician which may be why things may be delayed. But he said he didn't think there would be a problem, we shall see....
Well, I shall let you know if I hear anything.
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You might have to re think going to Aus for a while. Apparently they are considering closing the doors to Aus for a while due to SARs. .....Skegness is nice this time of year.
Good luck to all that embark on the long journey towards the yellow ticket. Its a great job.
Those of you not excited about Bournemouth. Well I am fairly sure you will change your mind. It is not just deep heat and blue rinse. It is a great town with a good night life.
Good luck to all that embark on the long journey towards the yellow ticket. Its a great job.
Those of you not excited about Bournemouth. Well I am fairly sure you will change your mind. It is not just deep heat and blue rinse. It is a great town with a good night life.