A few questions
 

Hi everyone,

I was just wondering if it's true that you don't get to choose what ATC station you work at if you train with NATS? Also, can you randomly be moved from tower to tower/area to area, even if you have a family?

Also, are there any Muslim UK-based ATC here? If there are, do you have space and time to pray, and is it generally an inclusive workplace?

Finally, does anyone have any tips on the application process for a NATS ATC job?

Many thanks.

Thanks so much for your reply!

I've got another question, though. Is it possible that NATS could say I have to move from one tower to another, e.g. from Stansted to somewhere up North, or from one area/centre to another? Just a bit stressed about the whole location thing, as I'm planning to start a family some day, and if I have to move around a lot, it might get stressful.

Regarding your tips, yeah I'd say I do have quite an interest in planes, so that should help. Also, would you happen to know anything about what goes on in the group exercise and what kinds of questions they ask in the formal interview?

Many thanks.

It's a "mobile grade" job, so yes, I believe it's theoretically possible. However, as far as I understand it, it's highly unlikely, as it would mean you being non-operational for several months while you are re-trained at the new unit, costing the company a huge amount of money. So generally, once you're posted to a unit, that's where you stay.

Those who have been through the selection process aren't allowed to share details of the process. However, if the current process is anything like the last one you will be given some tips at least, so you won't be completely in the dark (e.g. HR advised us that we should expect competency-based questions and so on).

Hearing back after new Stage 2
 

Hi all,

I've just completed the stage 2 assessments on the new process. I was just wondering how long it took for others to hear back with their outcomes for stage 2?
As I heard back immediately after Stage 1, and am a little anxious that the same hasn't happened at stage 2.

Regards,
Shickly

I'm sure this has probably been asked before, but I've had a quick search and can't find anything definitive.

Is the security check completed fully online? Or is there an interview involved also?

Shickly, I am in the same boat as you. I completed both stages yesterday evening, and I am anxiously waiting for my Stage 2 reply.

For any lurkers wondering ... Stage 1 felt like it was deliberately difficult. I didn't think I performed spectacularly, but passed. If anybody is worried about giving it a shot, just go for it. I think the "entry ceiling" is lower than many will imagine.

I didn't enjoy the Stage 2 questionnaires. They invite the user to overthink and properly get in your head. Not in any way difficult but they always feel very bizarre.

Fingers crossed, etc. Let's see what happens.

Huge congrats to those who have recently passed Stage 3! I can only imagine the wait was nerve wracking!

How are people feeling for the upcoming Stage 3 on Wednesday? I'm torn between wanting it to be over and done with, and wanting another month to prepare haha! Good luck everyone! :)

I've just noticed that new applications have been closed.

"We are currently closed to new applications. We review our requirements on a regular basis, so please register your details below and you’ll be the first to know when we are recruiting for Trainee Air Traffic Controllers."

Judging by this thread, they must have been inundated. Very pleased I applied when I did. Hopefully my Stage 2 comes back positive. A little worried I'm going to be a part of the "overflow" by applying so late!

Good spot! Aside from the influx of applicants I would imagine they will also be reviewing the new process and deciding on any amendments.

I hope this means that after tomorrows stage 3s it wont be long until we finally start hearing potential start dates! :D

Hi TomNokoe,

You are right!
I have just checked!
I was about to apply for the job, but... I can't now.
I am wondering how much time I should wait until I can applying for it.
Any ideas!?

Rough estimate on how often NATS recruit for new ATCOs?
 

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I was also about to apply today, but found that they've stopped recruiting for the meanwhile. Hence, I was wondering if anyone would be able to give a rough estimate of how often they recruit for new ATCOs, or is it just completely unpredictable?

Many thanks.

I've also got another question. If you reject an ATC job offer from NATS, does that work like a 'fail', i.e. will you only be allowed to apply again after 2 years? Thanks.

the next training courses are now planned for summer 2020 ( maybe beginning of june or august 2020 ) so some of you will received this email :

Dear ......

Thank you for booking onto one of our Stage 3 assessment centres, taking place this year.

We wanted to give you an update on the next steps your application. Due to the high number of applications we’ve received, our next training courses are now planned for summer 2020. Should you be successful at your Stage 3 assessment we will be contacting you towards the end of the year with more information about when your training will start.

If you have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected]

Kind Regards

The NATS Talent Acquisition Team

In a similar vein to the above post I received an email yesterday re-confirming that communication will be made in August for the early 2020 start dates (Passed stage 3 on the old process in May).

I also received the same email.

Yes, about the same here.

Start dates
 

Hi i'm about to begin my stage 1 for NATS but if i pass all stages does that mean i have to wait till summer of 2020

That's what the email says...........

:ugh:

Anyone from the 24th had any news?? Constantly refreshing my emails and trying not to get my hopes up too much haha.

No news so far, but it's still early days. I don't think I've ever checked my phone or emails this frequently before too. :D

I'd prepare yourself to wait the full 30 days or so (unless you were told differently). I did exactly the same as what you're doing, don't worry - but in hindsight it wasn't healthy, constantly checking and worrying about something that is now out of your hands.

So keep yourself busy, see friends and make plans and what will be will be. If it's not the news you're hoping for then you will have learnt some pretty unique and valuable life experience.

But of course, good luck and fingers crossed to you and the others who are waiting.

Thanks for your reply. I meant rejecting a posting, in case it's too far from my home. I guess I might have to contact them to find out for sure. Thanks again, though.

That's very true and thanks for the advice. Fingers crossed for everyone else too.

You need to appreciate that you are applying for a mobile job grade, and therefore the company has the right to post you to where their business needs are. If you are successful in your application, and decide to go to NATS, on the first few days of your course you will sign paperwork agreeing to this, in addition to it being written into your employment contract. You are also bonded to the company, therefore you cannot complete your NATS funded ATCO training and then quit/run off without owing approx £40k.

Therefore if you wish to "pick and choose" where you are posted I would really think twice about applying/joining. I know it sounds harsh and I really understand it can be disruptive for a family but this is the choice you have to make. :ok:

locations
 

Hi Guys/Girls

I was lucky enough to get through the stage 3 recently, medical next month and early 2020 start for training, I understand its a mobile grade etc but I am pretty sure they will ask us for preferences at some point, so have started to give it some thought.

Does anyone have any firm info on what occurs where? As i understand it Area is split between Swanwick and Prestwick, London approaches are all done from Swanwick? and Tower is always located on each individual site? anyone know if other approaches are centralised, and if so, to where? or do they work out of the individual sites?

thanks in advance

Congrats!
Normally Towers are where they are expected, unless they switch to Digital/Remote Towers like in London City or Cranfield.

Be aware that, whilst preferences are taken near the end of the course, subject to you passing, out of 15 on my course 3 got one of their preferences.

In terms of what occurs, you normally get an email from HR going "you are welcome to submit 3 preferences if you wish." Be aware that postings vary from Aberdeen in the north to Southampton in the south, including Aberporth in the west and everything in between. Area courses will be sent to either Swanwick (TC or AC) or Prestwick. Radar only rated people will be sent to either Swanwick to do London approaches, Aberporth ranges, or Aberdeen to staff the offshore function. There are also many trainees holding at units awaiting to start their unit training, so factor all of this into your expectations throughout training. It is definitely worth it in the end though!

It is a great job and a great company to work for, who really do look after you. Again I just cannot stress enough to expect the unexpected with regards to postings. Just because someone has a family with kids does not mean they will get posted where they want.... I can say this with 100% certainty.....!!! :ok:

Thanks, That is an impressive looking facility, I had heard that remote towers were being considered but didn't know this was operational yet.

Thanks, yes that London City Tower is impressive! I would expect these will become more common over the next few decades as traditional tower operational life spans expire.

Thank you, that does help clear things up for me, it was pretty much what i was expecting with the 3/15 figure, i guess as you say I'll just have to wait and see. Exciting times ahead!

Do you know how far in until you find out your unit placement? I'm assuming most stay on where they complete unit training?

Sorry for all the questions btw, and thanks in advance.