At my Stage 2 in July this year they said 12 months, but it sounds like it's changed a lot over the last few years!

Hello all,

I have been following this blog for months now, ever since the day I applied for the job.

I am lucky enough to have been offered a place on the Jerez course starting in Feb, and I am over the moon!

Just wanted to say that this blog was a massive help through it all, so thank you all.

I have noticed a few people mentioning that they also have been given a conditional place on the Jerez course in February, so if there’s been some sort of separate group created, please let me know :)

Good luck to any applicants going through their Stage 2 / 3 Assessment days!

For those who have been given places in Jerez, have you been given a breakdown of the training schedule?
How long will you be in Spain, and will there be opportunities to return home during courses?
What will be the next step after Jerez?

If I am lucky enough to be offered a position, family circumstance pretty much dictates that I'd be looking to travel home every weekend on the Friday and then returning on the Sunday night. I'd hope this wouldn't be an impossible scenario but seems unlikely if Jerez is the only location offered.

I would strongly recommend against this! Do not under-estimate the workload involved in the basic and rating courses. I hold a degree and masters and can honestly say the ATCO training was by far the hardest of all study I have ever done.

If you need to be in the UK for family then, if successful, there are UK college options.

Good luck!

Hey there :)

Is the Knowledge test computer based or paper based? Is it a multiple answer kind of thing or open answers?

Thank you!

Thanks, I guess I'd be as well letting them know during the interview that Jerez is not an option for me then, no point going through the process and leaving my current job if the only option is Jerez which just won't work for me unfortunately, as it sounds like a great option where my circumstances different.

Hi mate, private message me your number and I can add you to the WhatsApp group for Jerez in Feb!

Hi folks,

Delighted to have learned that I passed the Stage 3 interview and, subject to conditions, will be joining the January course at CTC.

Has anyone else been booked onto this course?

Hoping to get a group going and also see if anyone is looking to flat share....

Hi all,

Finding it hard to believe that 'there is no way to practise for the stage 2 testing'?? Surely the tests on the NATS website are helpful, as well as other basic aptitude testing online? Preferably something with time limits, since I read someone say that. Any links?

Thank you for the tips about bringing your own food etc, going to need to be switched on.

Also, I assume the interview is behavioural questions about past experiences and your responses to situations? Can someone confirm?

I am flying across the world for this (Australia to England) and really don't have much money so really need to know as much as possible, greatly appreciated.

So can you be sent to Spain to train even if you apply through the UK NATS at CTC?

Sure, those onlines tests will be helpful but at the end of the day won't make a big difference to how you do in the test. It's good to get used to using your brain in that way before the assessment day though.

Yeah the interview is largely about past experiences and demonstrating how you've coped with pressure/workload etc. so try to prepare examples of that.

You can be sent to Spain yes but at the end of the day if you're dead set on wanting to do the course at the CTC then you could just wait until one opens up there and then do that one. Once you're through all the stages you aren't forced onto any course, but at the same time you might not know how long you'll have to wait for a course starting at the CTC to appear.

Fair play travelling from Australia, that's nuts! That puts travelling from Scotland into perspective haha. Good luck man.

Yeah I think any testing practise would help, especially the landing and gate tests on the NATS website to get your brain used to sequencing for the DART test.
I'd be fine with Spain, I've been there before and absolutely loved it.
Yeah well I've always wanted to be an ATC, and went through the academy at Airservices Australia back in 2010-2013, then had to quit for personal reasons, and unfortunately I don't think they let you retry more than once. Also the RAAF rejected me due to asthma (ridiculous) so this might be my last shot!
Thanks for the info and all the best!

Can someone give some information on the timed questions in the tests? Which tests, how many questions are timed, what type of questions, examples, what time lengths are there, and possibly a link to practise timed questions? That would be amazing.


And also, if you can be posted to Spain to do the training, does that mean you can be posted there to control afterwards as well?

The preparation booklet they sent me says this: "Successful candidates will, after successful completion of training which takes place at NATS Training at our corporate and technical centre (CTC) in Whiteley, be posted to join the team of professionals who work for NATS at the various units around the country"

Do bear in mind that to work for NATS, you need to pass a Class 3 European Medical which does also have certain conditions on asthma: "There should be no significant respiratory disease. A past history of asthma may be acceptable but significant symptoms at time of application are likely to disqualify you".

The NATS college training is split into the Basic course and either the Aerodrome/Approach course or the Area course - which pathway you are allocated to depends on business needs and your aptitude (although recent #AskNATS Youtube Q&A videos seems to suggest most people's preferences are taken into account). The latter courses are conducted at the CTC in Whitely, but the Basic course can be taken either at the CTC, Jerez in Spain, or at Global ATS in Gloucestershire. They all form part of NATS training so you will not be posted to Spain after training but to an Area Control Centre or airport within the UK.
If you're interested the reason training is done in Spain particularly (due to a large recruitment campaign and many trainees there's not enough capacity at CTC for everyone) is that NATS is in a joint venture with Spanish service company Ferrovial (called ferroNATS) which currently provides ATC at 11 Spanish airports and has a training facility at Jerez.

Good luck with everything!

I've sent you a private message mate


Also Shinka I tried replying to your message but it says your inbox is full if you want to clear it I'll try again.

NATS interview
 

Hi Buddy, thank you, Ive cleared now if you want to send again please.

You can’t use the Private Messaging system, add url links or images until you have an established posting history.

Unfortunately NATS make it clear that they don't want candidates that have been through the recruitment process to share with future/current applicants to ensure a fair playing field. Which is why it is so difficult to find anything that can be used as practice. This means we can't really go into too much detail. The tests are well explained on the day though.

I honestly wouldnt focus too much on practising tests online if I was you, there's really no perfect way to prepare. The tests you take on the day might be completely different to anything you can find online and you dont want to end up panicking if you sit down and are met with something you haven't previously practiced. Follow the previous advice on here, learn the info booklet, sleep well, have a good breakfast and try and keep calm when taking the tests. It sucks but it really is the best way to approach it.

In addition to what Stevie says above, the only tests you should have any sort of look at are the 'games' on the NATS website. They may/may not be accurate to the Stage 2 tests but what they will do is get your mind into the right mindset. That said, don't go overboard on them, use them to get your focus going - there's only so much you can do before you potentially make your brain go in the wrong direction...

Quick query to those that have done a medical at Swanwick; I've been told to arrive at 09:00, I'm just wondering what time I will be done by and also, do you have to fast before hand for the blood tests or is that not necessary?

TAI

Hi All,

I've been following this forum for a few months now.

I have stage 2 assessment next week on the 26th Sept and just wanted to ask a few questions:

I'll be driving down, is parking okay on site? should I get there partially early to ensure a space?

I'm not focusing too much on the games on the website but I am really worry about the maths questions (Maths isn't my strong point!) is it only Speed, distance , time calculations that you are asked to do or will I get any other nasty surprises?! ha!

Wishing everyone good luck at whatever stage you are on!

Thanks!

I think I was done for 1pm. The blood test is just a finger prick.

No fasting necessary. I had my Medical at 1pm and did NOT need to do any fasting for the blood sample.

Parking is horrendous on site, it's often full by 8.30. if you can't park there, then the shopping village lets you park for 4 hours and is only a 10 minute walk at most away.

Stage issue
 

Hey everyone 😉👍
Does anyone know about stage 0?
I've submitted the application in August, and the status says "ATCO - invited to VMA test (stage 0) 28/August/2018" but since then I haven't received any email..

Does anyone know anything about it?

Thank you!

Jonathan Ornelas

Hi All,

I've been following this thread for a few weeks now and considering applying to NATS. I've a huge interest in aviation and would consider being an Air Traffic Controller one of those 'Dream Jobs' that's always been on the back of my mind.

I finally bit the bullet and sent in an application a few days ago. I've just completed the Stage 0 assessment online and have to admit, I found it harder than expected! The tests them selfs weren't particularly hard, it was just the time limits and pressure of double checking answers before moving on etc. How was your guys experience with the first stages of online tests? Did you feel like you nailed them?

I didn't even finish the last test! (8 questions in 1:30 I think, I ran out of time on the last question.)

Either way, I'm sure i'll find out how I did in the next few days.

Any news, Prime Example?

I've just done the Stage 0 tests.. I think with rushing due to the time limits I may have made a couple of mistakes, hopefully nothing too major! I had a practice with a few tests on the Saville site, definitely worth doing I thought, just to dust the cobwebs off if anything! Fingers crossed!

Yes, I should have probably updated my post! I received an email the next morning telling me I had passed Stage 0 with a link to Stage 1, I completed that the same day and received a further email inviting me to book my Stage 2 Assessment!

I wouldn't worry about a couple of mistakes, I was convinced I had blown BOTH stages but seemed to do okay in the end. My best advice for the next stage is just stay calm, don't let one tricky question/tight time limit put you off the rest of the test.

Good luck!

That's fantastic, well done! Thank you, I received an email saying that I had passed and to go on and complete Stage 1.. I think I'm going to attempt that tonight! Best of luck for Stage 2!

Hi, can anyone tell me whether the software on SkyTest for the FEAST tests is worth getting? (for stage 2)

Unfortunately, I can't post the links as I don't have enough posts yet.

Thanks!

How specific are the written test questions from the booklet for stage 2? Like are we expected to know all of the flight levels and classes of airspace boundaries, and aircraft speeds etc? Navaid details?
Thanks

Hey, I've just found out that I'll be on the January course at CTC as well (pending medical ofc)! Is there a group chat set up yet? I'm new to the forum so not sure if PMs will work for me..?

You can’t use the Private Messaging system, add url links or images until you have an established posting history

Hey,

I'm also practising stage 2 and am wondering the same thing. However, I would imagine we would at least have to have a good idea on things like RVSM - starts from FL290 and goes all the way up to FL410, where aircraft are separated by 1000ft. I would also imagine controlled airspace details should be known (ACDE) and uncontrolled (G). The thing I'm unsure about is how much do we have to know from the "The Aircraft That Use The System".

- Owen

Got stage 2 this week - been double checking all the bits and in the reminder email it states:
On arrival, please report to the NATS Main reception. Please note that there is no parking available on site. Please ensure you do not park at the Whiteley Shopping Centre whilst you are at NATS doing the assessments.
Conflicted on what to do - thoughts from people who have been through stage 2?
TIA

I'm on the same course too!

I think I interviewed at the same time as you, judging from your location! CONGRATS!

Anyone on the October or January courses at CTC, the family I live with rent out spare rooms to NATS students and should have some available, 10 min walk from CTC. Message me for details if interested, or if you have any other questions relating to joining the college. :)

Stage 0 guestions
 

Hello PrimeExample ,
​​​​​​​First of all , congratulations for moving on .

​​​​​​​I would like to ask you something regarding stage 0 : Should I expect on the tests pie charts , ratios , percentages... ? I am preparing myself for everything but stiil is good to know .

NATS Jerez
 

Good Day!

I'd like to get in touch with someone who is, or has been, down in Jerez, Spain for any of the NATS courses! Feel free to shoot me a message!:ok: