I've been reading Nats website and it says one of the requirements is under 36 years of age!! :ooh:

I'm a British citizen working outside UK (non EU) and in mid 30s, and planning to apply for work in England in a few years time. I'll be 40 by then and have never worked in UK ATC before.

What are my chances? Is the age a hindrance? Go for it anyway?

Thanks guys.

Is this for ab-initio or experienced controller? Probably worth applying anyway I would suggest. Don't ask, don't get and all that.

There are allegedly a lot of applicants, hence the delay. Only heard that 3rd or 4th hand though.;)

Yep, that's what I've heard too.

Yup, got e-mail through yesterday explaining that due to high number of applicants, they are currently undertaking a "paper sift" of CV's! HR said they would be in touch soon with more information......at this rate it could be christmas before anyone has moved across into the NATS fold!:mad:

Christmas is an optomistic guess, nothing moves quickly in NATS especially not when HR get involved. Christmas 2009 probably more realistic ;)

The house price was a little misleading.

4 bed houses away from the london commuter area start at around £330k and thats a new, 4 double bed, ensuite with garage etc.

Its not all doom and gloom on the cost of living front. I have a 15 mile 20 minute commute to work!

Expect more vacancies in November 'cos that's when I retire and they'll need at least 3 to replace me!!!

3??? Blimey thats a lot of tea brews!

Are any airports in greater need than others for ATCOs than others and is there a choice for prospective employees? (he asked with more than a passing interest....;)).

Airport most in need..........have a guess Niknak ;)

I'm not sure how much choice an applicant would have. I hear we're getting first dibs on the applicants though.

Oh well, that's me buggered then...:E

I've been reading this thread with interest.

My situation is that I've applied 3 times to NATS and failed to get in. I've now moved to Australia, but been accepted by AsA for a trainee ATCO position as Tower.

They bond you over here for a 5 year period after you've qualified to the tune of $70k or approx GBP35k. I know for a fact I don't want to be in Australia long term, but reading this, it looks as though I'll struggle to get employment by NATS as an experienced controller.

How likely am I to gain employment from NATS in the future if I obtain 3-4 years experience over here? And also would NATS be likely to pay out my bond if I left early?

I'm actually considering not bothering to do the training if I can't be a controller in the UK eventually.

Any advice? I know I will get comments about not being good enough for UK, but I am for AsA, but the selection processes are VERY different.

Henry's Cat,

There are plenty of people who now work for NATS who either failed the selection process or the college training, so I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Gonzo how desperate are you guys?? Im awaiting the decision from HR as to whether they will give me an ATCO post (currently assistant with a current ADI rating) but they're not quick. Just wondered as the longer I wait the more likely I will need to leave NATS or do an APC.

Outstanding Bonds?
 

I've read the thread for a few weeks now - will NATS, or have NATS in the past, ever paid off a bond (when they pinch staff from Regional Airports)? Salary alone does not really stand up as an incentive compared to some bigger airfields/companies, although I accept that NATS are (apparently) a good company to work for!! Yes, I have a CV in - Just to test the water really!!:)

Has anyone heard anything more since the e-mail from NATS which said they had a huge response and were doing the "paper sift" sent on 20th May?

It was 4 months ago since they placed the advert and I wonder just how short of ATCOs they must be if it is taking so long.

Nothing heard!!
 

Nope - must be a slow old process!!! Nobody I know has heard a thing since the last 'sift' e-mail. Perhaps they have a few issues to resolve first.

I received an email yesterday saying I had been successful during there papersift of CV's and if I could forward a scanned or post a photocopy of my license. Also cold I provide dates when I was available for an initial interview.

Well done italiancars,

Hope interview goes well, hope to get one of my own soon!