A new career? or too late?
 

Hey guys,

I went to nats website and done a little research and have no prior experience in ATC. I went to University for web development, but i want a career and ATC. Nats was offering a Entry Level training and it seemed like an opportunity and really tough, so i applied thinking maybe...

I like the idea of learning something new, however i doubt they will except me? It seems like a job i would like, where i could make a difference each day.

I am now 22 years old, what can i do to help get me into this industry?

Thanx!

Just try it out, 22 is a good age.
You make it or you don't...

So your saying i can in no way prepare for this?:confused:

I joined at 31 - your still wet behind your ears

I'm not familiar with UK ATC thus don't know if there are any course materials out there.

Just apply! NATS take people from all walks of life and previous aviation experience doesn't always make a difference on how successful you'll be in ATCO training. If you want advice on what to expect through the recruitment process, the sticky thread at the top of this page will help.

22 is nowhere near too old. It's a good age in fact. Your biggest problem, if you are established in a career now, will be living on the trainee "salary" for a few years.

Before you apply, or if accepted for interview, before you go for interview, try to arrange a visit to ATC at Bournemouth. It won't guarantee you'll be accepted for training, but it would show the selectors you have done a bit of research before your interview, and it might also give you some idea of what you face if you are accepted.

Or why not visit a NATS unit, say at Southampton.

That might show you also know abut about the company.

Ordered a book online and library
 

Hey guys,

I ordered a book "Air Traffic Control by Graham Duke" it is the latest addition. So i am hoping to pick up the lingo.

I filled out the application yesterday, so i am hoping to get a reply because i think i read the training would start in October and assessments during September 2012, i have ben skimming many articles so do not quote that.

What is the best way of contacting nats unit is Southampton? I do not live to far from Bournemouth air port. If i could turn up in person that woulkd show some dedication, which could not hurt?;)

An ability to to communicate in English would be an advantage :)

Yep yep yep
 

Hey!

I watched the series of videos. Thats what got me interested i liked the idea of many variables involved in air traffic control. Although the only thing i doubt is if i could remember all the pieces of the puzzle like she saids, but i figured training would give me that and it would become like a memory palace?

Tbh i like the idea that it is a job that i can be focused on for a career and that i can say i done something constructive at the end of the day.

I have had other job offers in other areas and they have given me this opportunity to work my way up, but this seems like something else entirely to experience. The only problem is I cannot wait on nats to get back to me if my CV has been selected.

I need to know for sure this is what I want 70:30; i am trying to find a decent simulator online.


Thanx

Well, for a start, NATS don't accept CVs, so if you've sent one in, that's your first error...

As for "how do I contact a NATS unit", a bit of research and a phone call to NATS wouldn't appear that difficult...

Love it at 0:30 when all the ants run away!

your = you're = you are?

If you're not 100% sure it's something you want to do, then don't. The amount of time and effort you need to put into get through the training at the College and live training at a unit means that if you don't really want to do it, then you won't.

70/30 won't cut it, I've seen it before

"The only problem is I cannot wait on nats to get back to me if my CV has been selected."


if you want to get on the TATCO scheme at NATS, you're gonna have to get used to waiting around!

Assuming you have filled in the application through www.atcocareers.co.uk then thats what you need to do. Visiting a unit is not just a case of turning up - there is security to consider, as well as people available to host etc etc. Best way is to get the contact number for the tower from the UK AIP.

However, I would suggest at least getting a reply and a stage 1 course datebefore visiting a unit. plenty of people fall at this hurdle and its a long way to the finish line.

Also, There is no way you will get a course this year. In fact, im not convinced you'll get a course next year. A job as an ATCO with NATS is as close as you can get to a job for life, with excellent pay and pension provision, good working conditions and a varied interesting role. With all of the above, as you can imagine with the current state of affairs over the past couple of years its fair to say interest has shot up somewhat.

Thats not to say you shouldnt apply, but you need to be realistic. Applications have only just opened and some poor souls have already been on hold for 18 months.

70:30