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.