NATS Human Factors
 

Can somone tell me about this job please? I want to submit an aplication for this as what i have read sounds good, but what is the aplication procedure, how much does it pay, training, job satisfaction etc...

It's a well paid, very satisfying, professional job which entails several years of complex training and a lot of hard work before one qualifies as a controller. Controllers are required to pass a stringent medical examination similar to that of a pilot and to undergo regular medical exams thoughout their careers. But I thought you were more interested in flying???

I think you probably need to investigate elsewhere to get a basic idea of what is involved. Take a look here for starters:
NATS careers

HD - read the thread title!!

One would hazard a guess that your eyesight would cause you problems if you were still in!!! :p

Just so that i am clear! i dont want to be a controller, i do in fact want to work in the HF department! oh, and no, i dont want to be a pilot either!!!

Anyone know about HF dept?

Hairy Mum

Here's a place to start

NATS HF Department Career info

hopefully someone may pop along who can answer any questions.

Thanks for that anotherthing. Is there anyone out there who has worked inthe HF dept?

I read the title OK, but many titles on here don't really mean what they say. Sorry 'bout that.

I certainly wouldn't pass a medical now, not unless money changed hands!!

HD, I think you'd be surprised - the hearing test on renewal consists of the doctor 'stage whispering' some numbers to you!!!

I had a doc say to me once, "Can you see me?" "Yes" I replied. "OK, sight and hearing fine...... next"

The glib answer would have been "Pardon" :}

Better still "Pardon", "Who said that" !!

Human Factors
 

HM

You've not mentioned what qualifications/experience you have.

Assuming you are not (yet) qualified, to work in HF in NATS (or most other companies) you usually need two degrees, a first degree (usually psychology, engineering or design for this kind of HF, i.e. 'cognitive ergonomics') and a Masters degree in ergonomics (see The Ergonomics Society • Careers & Training). There is now distance learning Masters offered by Derby Uni, which makes things a bit easier as this can be combined with an OU BSc/BEng degree. Alternatively you can do a BSc in Ergonomics at Loughborough and not require a Masters. In rarer cases you can get away with another BSc degree alone (e.g. Bournemouth Psychology with Computing; Design) but would then generally still need some experience. Without a degree though, it is impossible.

Unfortunately, at the moment there appear to be no positions available in NATS and in fact some contracting positions have not been renewed. This trend is likely to extend to aviation generally, and consulting. Rail and nuclear should still be OK. In three years or so things should have picked up - assuming you have not got a degree yet? If you have and are looking for a job - rail would be a better bet, but The Ergonomist newsletter is the place for job adverts.

There are other options though in various industries, particularly nuclear, rail, military and consulting (all industries - those above plus chemical, oil and gas, medical, etc).

Let me know if you need to know anything else - I've worked in most of the above to a greater or lesser extent.

HS

HM

Not sure if my last reply worked - can't see it, so first to save my fingers...

Are you a qualified ergonomist? No training in ergonomics/human factors is provided - a uni degree in this is required.

HS