They will send you anywhere, regardless of your preference so don't apply if you aren't prepared to be posted anywhere. There's occasionally opportunities to move to a different unit but it is rare.

You might be asked, and if you're very, very lucky you might get what you asked for. It's based almost entirely around where the "business need" happens to be at the time.

Don't go in expecting somewhere convenient, when they say you should be prepared to move to anywhere, they mean it. If you do get something you'd like, that's great but don't count on it unfortunately.

Hey guys,
I've just gotten through Stage 0+1 and got an email saying they will be in touch but there are no planned assessment days currently.
Anyone in the same position? How long do you reckon it'll be before they will hold another day?

been watching this thread for a long time now so decided to make an account.
I have recently applied and failed on stage 1 tests :( on the NATS website it says you can only apply once but I thought you could apply 3 times with 24months in between what is the case here? is there anyway to apply before 24 months as I failed the online tests not the FEAST or DART tests or is it any bit of application you have to wait 24months?

thanks for any help and good luck guys

If it says on the website you can only apply once, then I guess you can only apply once. If you really want to know the answer then ask HR

Lukie100 Without sounding too inconsiderate, in all fairness if you have failed the Stage 1 tests, then the likely hood of passing FEAST is very slim as it is like Stage 1, only 100 times more difficult.

Yeah I thought if I couldn't pass the stage 1 then further on would just be even worse.
Was annoying as stage 0 tests I found fun and easy but just the diagrammatical tests I jumped straight into without fully reading instructions so lost a bit of time working it out.
Just remember to do the examples first and make sure you understand them guys if anyone plans on doing them

I wouldn't say the FEAST is a 100 times harder. They are different tests. The Stage 0+1 test, you really do need to pay them the respect they demand and not to skip the instructions. Likewise with the Stage 2 as the instructions are paramount. They are also a chance to take a break from the test itself.

Don't be put off, give it another go in 2 years. You'll be that bit wiser.

Yeah will do cheers, I'm not going to give up that easily. I'm waiting for email back from NATS Careers to see if the application process has changed to one application (as website now says) now so will post on here when I find out incase anyone on here wants to know if it's changed

Can anyone give an idea as to how long the application process is taking at the moment? I've read back some more through this thread and seems it used to be very slow, but is now better.

I wasn't planning to apply until next year as I've got a house that I would need to sell prior to commencing training (should I be successful), but if the application is taking the best part of a year then there's no need for me to wait.

Thanks.

If NATS have really reduced you to only be allowed to apply once, this seems like a poorly produced blog post. Second time lucky for trainee air traffic controller - NATS Blog

Bold added by me.

@Flamin Squirrel

I started my application in April and would have been on course in December if I could have left my current job earlier. I did have to wait 6 weeks for the final interview stage though. It can be as little as 4 months if all goes well but you are at the mercy of the college as it's them that give the dates.

I know someone who has been told they may be on a course date late Feb but don't quote me on it.

I personally wouldn't sell my house before or during the application process as it's really difficult process with no guarantees.

Could you not rent it out if you were successful?

djblu1980 thanks for the info. House wise it's... complicated! I won't bore you with the details. I've started the application process at any rate; I'll figure something out.


Have people bothered uploading their CV during the initial application? Is there any benefit? It doesn't seem essential as it says you can just use your profile details.

I failed the old-style stage 1 the first time around; I didn't have a clue what I was going into. It's always worth trying again if it's something you really want. I did, and I've been with NATS for nearly 4 years now ;)

What is the dress code for the stage 2 assessment day? The email said 'smart', but i was wondering for people who have been to an assessment day recently whether people were wearing suits or not?

Thanks

Also regarding arrival time, I have 2 emails that contradict each other. One says to arrive for 8:00 am, but the other says to arrive 30 mins before the start time (which is 8am).

What time does everyone recommend to arrive for the assessment day, is 7:30 a good time to aim for?

When I did my stage 2, most people wore suits. People were arriving from about 7:30 to just before 8:00, probably best to lean towards earlier.

I had my stage 2 recently, passed the paper and FEAST test. Unfortunately, I was not invited back for a Stage 3 assessment after the DART test. I am absolutely gutted

There are only two ways of arriving on time, either you arrived exactly at the time or ealier. You don't want risking arriving late, it will cost you all your hard work so far.
Go dressed with a suit. In my case I wore chino pants and a shirt, but in stage 3 I wore my suit (guess I didn't want to use the same outfit)...

Well I bit the bullet, applied and I'm through stage 1. Unfortunately, there are no dates for stage 2 at the moment. The waiting game begins....