ATC Site Visits
 

Can anyone help out here? - I've got my recruitment interview coming up and all the docs and books etc talk of visiting as much as possible to get a better idea of things. Have received no contacts from NATS recruitment and when I rang today they said Swanwick and the other large centres would not let people visit and I should try contacting small airports direct. I live in hampshire and LACC and Swanwick would have been ideal but the only suggestion she gave was trying to ring London City direct as a "maybe they would let you". Is this right? Any opinions/help appreciated.

I didn't bother phoning recruitment, just phoned Swanwick directly, there was no problem organising a visit for me, and this was only a few months ago. Don't believe everything HR say!

My visit lasted about 1 or 1 1/2 hours, and was fairly structured, I think they do quite a few. I was shown round everything and got to sit and listen in with a few controllers, I also visited Southampton airport where they were very helpful as well. It's well worth it, you'll enjoy it. Hope you manage to arrange something:cool:

NATS seems to be very inconsistent with its advice about ATC visits. Everyone I have encountered outside of the HR Dept has been very helpful with respect to arranging a visit. Still, it wasn't to be for me as I crashed and burned in the final interview.

Contact Terry Ward at Swanwick and he's the guy who can help. Think the visit took about 90 minutes. Switchboard number for NATS is 01489 572288.

Good luck!

<<NATS recruitment and when I rang today they said Swanwick and the other large centres would not let people visit >>

Dear God - they have some right BERKS working there don't they?

If in doubt, telephone your chosen ATC Unit and ask to speak to the Watch Manager. Tell him the story and I'll bet you any money you'll get in..

Terry Ward is magic; just don't mention Fandabidosi to him....

Good luck anyway and I wish you well for the future..


PS.. Weekends would be best to try - the "suits" are usually away then.

Thanks all - very much appreciated, will get the job done direct.