Hi there - i am not starting on your course unfortunately , but i am in the CTC course April 2020, so not long after you. I've not heard from NATS since September time when I completed my medical, people on my course are in the same boat.

Have they reached out to you at all prior to starting in March? Formal offer, further details etc?

Thanks in advance and hope you manage to find course contacts prior to starting!

CTC
 

Hey,

Is there anybody in the forum who uses the Bournemouth/Ringwood bus to CTC?

Curious if it is still running and where it picks up for starting training in April :)

When did you have your Stage 3?
When did you receive the phone call?

JH

I had my stage 3 June 13th and heard back 11th July

Hey,
Unfortunately we are not allowed to give out details as they have asked it to be confidential. Don't wanna risk my application.

Although it is pretty straightforward as long as you're confident and realistically prepared( Don't go overboard with this, you'll only stress yourself out)
There is the re take of the online tests which is just to verify your results, then there is the knowledge test which is pretty easy if you've studied the stuff sent to you. You don't need to learn any extra content at all!

As for the interview, prepare for it as you would for any past experience-scenario based interview. Keep the STAR method in mind. Can't really give out anything more.

As for the group activity, all I can advice is to just be yourself and be confident.

Hope this helps

Anyone who had a stage 3 in December or January, have you received a call yet?

Timeline
 

As others have done in the past, below is my timeline covering the recruitment process on the new model introduced April 2019

In my case, an automatic email was sent a couple hours after the completion of the online tests, the days between are down to me finding time to complete them.

After the stage 2 online tests, there was a delay until NATS released the stage 3 assessment centre slots.

By far the longest time for me was being allocated a start date after passing stage 3.

Day 0 Stage 1 online tests.
Day 5 Stage 2 online tests.
Day 31 Stage 3 assessment centre bookings open.
Day 98 Stage 3 assessment centre.
Day 107 Confirmation on passing stage 3 assessment centre.
Day 177 Class 3 medical.
Day 304 Training course invite.
Day 391 Anticipated course start date.

Hey guys,

Is there anyone else starting their training in July 2020? I've not been given specific dates yet and I'm wondering what everyone else has been told.

Hi all,

I've been with NATS for a while now training in Area, just passed final exams at CTC and awaiting posting detail to unit.

If you have questions about the actual time at the college feel free to drop me a message.
I also went to Jerez to do the basic & foundation part of the course so if you want to know anything about that let us know.

I don't know anything about the new interview process/when they will start up again!

Hi all, i've been following along for a while now but decided to register an account. I have my stage 3 coming up in March.

I would be very grateful for any handy tips for the assessment day (like how in depth do you need to know the pre- read material? Word for word, or just know the basic content, structure of ATC in the UK etc?

Also, i've been wondering if there is any one particular type of ATCO that is more 'in demand' from trainees. i.e. is tower more popular than area to get into for example? If so why? What are the pros and cons to each type of ATCO position? Thanks for any and all responses!

Amazing well done!

I would say that learn that book cover to cover, the aircraft spec. (If they are still in there) are not going to appear lots but they will ask. They want o see you an retain information in a very short space of time!

Also they all take you to either Area or aerodrome and the majority are currently going through the area route because there is a grater need. People want different things, some guys on my course are desperate for area and vice-versa but ultimately you do not really get a choice!

😌

Hi all. I am starting at TATC Swanwick at the end of April 2020, still awaiting any kind of joining instructions. Does anyone have any advice for finding accommodation? Is there a separate thread here for that?

I haven't heard anything back yet, had Stage 3 in Jan. Anyone else had news yet? Good luck to everyone waiting...

Does anyone know.... is it usually a call or an email that everyone gets?!.....

If you’re starting at Swanwick then ask NATS. When I got my posting they sent me recommendations of where to look for accommodation. They should put you in touch with other trainees (who were possibly on the same course as you) to help as well.

Hello

Apologies if this is not the relevant thread, but does anybody have any indication when NATS are likely to open up the trainee ATCO vacancy window again?

It’s a job I have long dreamed of doing but due to family circumstances have not really been in a position to apply before.

I have signed up for the alert and check the website everyday but just wondering if the trainee window opens up every few months, years etc?

Cheers

I would imagine it will open again because there is an urgent need for more and more controllers. It's just backlogged at the moment and that's why it has temporarily shut down. Once it's out the way, I would imagine the website will accept applications again.

JH

Did you get a call yet? Even I gave my stage 3 in Jan, still waiting

Hi all,

Just wanted to ask if there was any way to find the materials NATS use for the interviews and assessments such as the aircraft technical knowledge and the general ATC knowledge stuff.

Have you heard anything back yet from Stage 3 JH?

Not Yet. Hoping for a call any day now!