College start Jan 2008
 

Hi guys,

I passed stage three a couple of weeks ago and am due to start college on the 2nd of January 2008 (talk about bad timing) and was wondering if anyone else is in the same boat? Im moving down from just outside Glasgow and to be honest its a bit daunting. Im excited about getting stuck into the course but the thought of having to relocate throws up a range of questions,,,,can anyone help me out?

1. In terms of accommodation am i right in saying that the vast majority of trainees use bed and breakfast at the start of the course?

2. Ive heard that the start of the course is the most difficult and has the highest drop out, is this the case?

3. If all goes according to plan and i get through the course taking the area route can i apply to go to prestwick centre?

4.Is it office dress code whilst at college?

5. Do they have a gym?

I know the last two Q's are a bit weird but just curious!!!

Cheers
John

1. That's correct. Budget around £100/week for that.

2. It's all changed recently, but I'd be surprised if Area 2 (the final course, if you take the area route) wasn't still the hardest.

3. You can request it, but the chances are you'll be going to LACC (Swanwick) or LTCC (London, but moving to Swanwick). Or, if it's decided that you'd be better suited to working at an airport, you could be posted to one of many airports around the UK, dependent on where trainees are most needed at the time.

4. I think so, yes.

5. Can't remember! Anyone?

There certainly was a gym, but do I remember hearing that it had closed because they needed the room for another purpose?

Thanks guys thats great, just got to start saving by the sounds of things:bored:

1. Most of my course started in B&B's and then either moved into shared flats etc, or stayed in the B&B

2. We lost about 1/3rd per course

3. Your best bet of getting prestwick would be to tell everyone from day one how much you hate prestwick and will only consider going to Swanwick or TC.

4. Yep, 'cept fridays when it's jeans n t shirt

5. Yer, it's not massive but it's in the 'cow shed'

They have cows??? Seriously though thanks for your replies.

I thought they had changed that now and it was office wear all week? Perhaps someone currently at the college can confirm

I'm currently pencilled in for the January course too, assuming that the problems I've been having with my medical turn out ok (Final cardiologist appointment in 2 weeks). Give me a shout on MSNM....
[email protected]

I'm just coming to the end of Basic, no dropouts on our course.

There is a 'Gym' well a room with about 5 pieces of equipment.

Most people are in B&Bs, however that time of year you may get a cheap rental / holiday let worth speaking to the local agents down here.

Near the beginning of your course you will get some stuff sent to you with details of accomodation etc.

Start saving your pennies as the wage isn't the best.

it is smart dress except Fridays.

;)

Start saving the pennies anyway... altho you might.. maybe... allegedly... possibly end up getting an allowance towards accommodation....

:ooh:

Tell more me me me ... before the 24th of September by any chance?! I live in hope..

Richy

Not sure of timescales I'm afraid... watch this space

Not looking forward to being skint at all but ive got a few months to save so need to cut down on the partying!

One last question....

What hours are you at college e.g. is it 9-5 Mon Friday?

Thanks in advance!

John

John

I believe College hours are 0815-1615, Monday to Friday. Not sure about tea break or lunch times though.

Jim

Tea breaks??

Old school! :}

I think lunches are staggered, depending on which course you're on, so as not to overload the canteen.

I'm about to start at the college and have just received an e-mail from NATS confirming that trainees will be receiving a 60squids p/w living allowance while at Hurn & a lump payment of 1000squids upon completion of Hurn based training.

College hours are 08:15-16:15 and on basic at least you will have a 30 min break at either 9:30 or 10, lunch at 12 and a 15 min break at around 14-14:30

As of 1st September, you will get an additional £60 per week, tax free living allowance, and a £1000 tax free lump sum when you finish at the college

You will not go to an airport unless you request it, and even then, the percentages are very small (7 places for 42 people on our course)

Hope thats of some help

There is a Gym, and it has basic weights and a rowing machine, oh and a bike. You have to do an induction before you can use it.

Gonzo - im sure it wont be long before it is closed and the room is used for a few more basic sims to fit in the 500+ students for the next course!

Ben, is the extra money for all students from 1st Sept?