NATS Alternative
 

I have just failed stage 3 of the Nats recruitment process and Im gutted. I really dont want to wait a year before I can begin the whole process again. Does anyone know of any alternatives to Nats (willing to move abroad)? I have tried Eurocontrol but I was told I was 4 months too old!

Thanks for any help

Mike

Sorry either patience or self funding, or start as an ATCA with a view for further training. Alot of regional airports are training their own ATCA's.
Good luck

If you speak a certain level of another language such as French, German, Spanish etc, it may be worth seeing if you can apply to them as a cadet, although I'm not sure what their minimum requirements are.

Self funding is another option if you have a friendly bank manager. All that being said, by the time you get sorted doing any of those options, it's going to be the best part of a year down the line anyway, in which case it might just be worth waiting for the NATS deadline to expire.

I believe Ireland might be short as well........!

Good Luck :ok:

Is the Eurocontrol age really that low?

Thanks for all the responses.

I think I may pursue the ATCA avenue. Are these jobs advertised or will I have to send out letters to the various airports?

Yes the cut off age is 25 when you start the course. Huge difference from the 35 for NATS. I only missed it by 4 months and I did try and get them to reconsider but the email back was a very blunt no!

Follow Barnaby's advice or think about Eurocontrol, either is a good career.

Most non NATS airports have in house training programmes and will continue to train their own for several years to come.
After a couple of years as an ATCA, you show the potential you will almost certainly get the opportunity.

Feel free to PM me.

Don't forget the RAF or the RN. Pay is not as good but the travel!!!!!!

You rarely, if ever have to wait a year. Leave a few months, apply again (use different email for online application). HR never notice/dont really care.

Most airports will advertise on their website. I would recommend choosing a prefered employer and call and write to them.
I don't know your background, but time as an ATCA is a great way to gain a good foundation for a career as a controller.