PPRuNe Forums - NATS Experienced Controller Programme

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Barnaby the Bear (Post 9978171)

Agree with Gonzo.
The pool of ATCO's has changed considerably in the last decade because of the reasons Gonzo cited.
NATS has recruited allot of experienced non NATS controllers recently and yes NATS has lost controllers to ANS.
The recent pay reviews at ANS and Birmingham demonstrate that there is a need for ANSP's to start reacting to the market and review their terms and conditions (that doesn't always mean more money).
An airport mentioned earlier has lost 6 ATCO's in the last year with ATCO's attracted to better pensions, annual pay reviews and overall improved conditions.
Fundamentally there aren't enough experienced controllers to fill the vacancies, and when an ANSP doe's advertise, it can take 3 months plus for the recruitment process (depending on the HR department).
If you find a suitable candidate, they usually have a 3 month notice period. The training (which depending on the unit) can take anything from a few months to over a year depending on the availability of OJTI's who need to ensure their own competency hours are maintained.
ANSP's need to retain their experience, and that starts by looking after the staff they already have.

Spot on Barnaby. All you need is for a few staff to leave and you're short staffed for 12-18 months! That adds further pressure / fatigue on the existing staff who in turn get alienated . . . . . and the vicious circle, once started, is difficult to stop. T&Cs have slowly dwindled during the 2007-2015 period and, dare I say, the appetite to spend more £££ on expensive ATCOs is not there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo (Post 9977757)

...such as the rehashing of training and retention of those who did not make it through Area/TMA/TC Approach validation, what, ten years ago? Before then, many who didn't quite make it to validation at West Drayton/Swanwick would still have a Student aerodrome rating, and would either stay within NATS and work at an airport, or leave NATS and be picked up by another airport. Airports back then had effectively a 'free' pipeline of trainees, and there was a large pool of them....

Closer to 15 now, March 2003; driven by economic regulation, I understand, rather than any desire to change the process, although cutting costs was no doubt also a large factor. It was considered to be unfair support of the unregulated part of the business by the regulated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gonzo

We live in interesting times.

I haven't noticed any change in motivation in trainees I've met to those I trained with nearly 20 years ago.

We certainly do, & me neither...

Yes Unda, I got an invitation to undertake some online psychometric assessments...

The invitation for the tests arrived around 4 or 5 weeks after the interview, they'll give you plenty of time to have it done, it's the typical psychometric assessments you can find online.

ATLATC seems as if it's moving on, glad you're in. Your inbox might be full, can't send PM.

Seems things are moving on but I haven't seen anything online to confirm this have you KVOK? Any info about the package - they said they will inform us. Thanks.

KVOK, There seems to be some action. Are you in, or not heard yet?
Not sure what's up with my inbox; no where near full.

Regards

ATLATC, says this: ATLATC has chosen not to receive private messages or may not be allowed to receive private messages. Therefore you may not send your message to him/her.

Yes, I am in, like you say, somewhat positive. Waiting for the info as well Toblerones.
When I checked online didn't see any connection with this whatsoever.

Checked my PM settings; don't know what the issue is.

Surely info coming soon, considering the fast approaching travel.

Well, just thought of letting you since I found it a tad odd the restriction about the PMs.
Yes, exactly, should be really soon, the dates aren't far.

I do appreciate you letting me know.

Dates aren't far at all. I had to let them know I'm on a Caribbean cruise all of next week, and likely out of contact at sea.

Well then, that's a plan for week I'd willingly swap for :) Lucky you! You can always get the mail when docked I'm sure... It'll be fine. Enjoy it! That's one on my bucket list. :)

Thanks. Cruising is fantastic and I highly recommend it.

Yeah, done it and loved it but not across the Caribbean.
Let's see how it all goes, still now news...

That's right ATLATC... I assume you too. You still can't receive PM btw.

Nats experience controller

Any news of Hong Kong recruitment of experienced controllers.whats the next step after telphonic interview.

sandy66
That will be assessment in Jerez, Spain. About one month from the tel interview.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilkapoika (Post 10234259)

sandy66
That will be assessment in Jerez, Spain. About one month from the tel interview.

Can you please elaborate the assessments skill test or any other test. Thanks

The assessment will consist of a simulator exercise and a formal interview.