It would seem that not all of us were so lucky having just received the e-mail from the HR department.

It would be interesting to see how many experienced ATCOs NATS have taken on during this recruitment drive, it will also be interesting to see what ratings they have and also where they get posted off to.

For whatever reason they didn't want this current, available (with 1 months notice), un-scathed ADI/APP/APS ATCO, maybe it is because I’ve only ever worked OCAS? Or maybe they didn’t like the font my CV was written in!?!

Is all this talk about NATS units being short, true?

I hope I don't hear in a few months that they are short once again, I am off to Canada.

They didn't want me either...

Im ex-NATS, ADI/APP, 26yrs old and ready for immediate start.

I used Tahoma size 11. Maybe the font thing was right?

Wish I was off to Canada... ;-)

It sounds as if NATS is only interested in ex-NATS people they chopped; not those who left of their own accord! Shooting themselves in the foot really, especially when ME salaries can approach the equivalent of UKP 120,000 p.a.

My reply
 

'Thank you for applying for the experienced ATCO advertisement for roles within NSL Airports.

I am writing to confirm to you that your application form will be held on file and that we will contact you directly as soon as any suitable vacancies arise.'

I said I was only prepared to work at Manch or Birmingham and got this reply. Does this mean no thanks or we'll get back to you?? I'm ADI APS OJTI LCE at my unit. Good luck anyone that gets the chance. Not ever so sure I would take it even if offered, but I like a challenge and it's nice to be asked. My CV had a picture - perhaps I am too ugly!!!! :8

It's apparently a poorly worded e-mail. It means the process is still on-going and they will be in touch soon regarding the next stage in the process. It's not a 'you were un-successfull' message but another delay it would seem. Allegedly.:}

Charlie23
 

I would respectfully suggest that telling NATS HR where you will and won't work may not be the most sensible addition to any job application. NATS ATCO's are a mobile grade and should be prepared to go anywhere.
There are of course exceptions:
1. If you moan a lot
2. Friends in the right places
3. Spouse/partner preferential treatment
4. Management potential rising star
5. Compassionate reasons
It may be wise to get the job before laying down your posting requirements.
If your shorlist is only Manch/Brum then I wouldn't hold your breath!
Good luck anyway.

Thanks 360 and 055
 

Thanks for the replies guys or gals. I actually put "I would be particularly interested in vacancies at ......." - so hopefully I did not upset the HR sifting team!!! Yes, I take the point about getting the job first, but I am happy where I am but still seeking new challenges. If they want experienced ATCO who can do the job, they will have to bend a little otherwise they will get the wrong people. Good luck everyone - does anybody know how many NATS are actually looking for??? Could be carnage at the usual trawling grounds!!!!

If you don't mind Aberdeen,then that might help.Lots of people already in Nats want to work in Manch or Brum.:)

Aberdeen sounds like fun. How many controllers are needed to get to full strength?

throw a dyce,
I believe there are also some already settled at Manch who wouid like to stay there! Perhaps these "experienced ATCOs" being recruited could be offered a posting to the Costa del Saltcoats in order to facilitate this?

This is interesting. Has anybody been offered, or indeed heard of anyone, anywhere, being offered an interview for NSL/Airports? As far as I can find out, everyone has been sent the 'we'll keep your application on file' email. Have NATS gone cold feet on us? (NSL at least - I understand that NERL are interviewing APS-rated ACTOs, and italiancars didn't specify which branch of NATS he/she'd applied to).

Ah, the Costa del Saltcoats. "Do not pass Go" ---- Go straight to Band 4! :}:}.

This is odd.

I met an old work collegaue for lunch today. Without giving away names or locations: 31 years old, 5 years as ADI, APS, OJTI and for what it’s worth within NATS, a Met Observer currently at a busy non-NATS unit in North West England. This person also applied to the same advert as I did it would seem and he got the same e-mail as I did.

So, Roadrunner Once, you might be onto something here. IIRC there were two NATS adverts at the same time, one was for airports and I am pretty sure the other was for either approach radar and area radar. Ok, fair enough they might be interviewing those who applied for the approach and area advert but what about the airports side of the operation i.e. no radar?

Possibly with the intention of sending them to TC at Swanwick to do LL/KK/SS etc Approach.

Out of interest, are the Approach guys at Swanwick employed by NSL or NERL?

TC controllers at Swanwick are employed by NERL.

Cheers for that SilentHandover,

Then presumably the future home for the APS controllers being interviewed by NERL is TC. Or Aberdeen Offshore :ok:

As regards Manchester, I think you might find it's just a wee bit more challenging than your average non-NATS 'regional' ATC unit!! Even current NATS ATCOs have to pass an operational assessment before being considered for this unit.

To quote the illustrious Captain Blackadder:

"Have you visited the Planet Earth recently...??" :rolleyes:

Quote
"Have you visited the Planet Earth recently...??"

Yes - and EGCC!!!!! :)

Location info on ScACC
 

Could anyone tell me, as objectively as possible please, what ScACC is like to work in / live near?

Work practices, social issues, salary structure, career development and other general info appreciated.

Thanks,

IF2

Has anyone heard anything else? I`ve been invited to interview at Heathrow House but I`m still not sure which units the interview is for. I presume that if I`m successful then Nats will offer me wherever they fancy, subject practical assessments. Does anyone have any ideas where the vacancies are (its not the NERL advert I applied for by the way)

Interview
 

Me too - next week - who knows?? All will become clear I'm sure.

I have been invited for an interview too. Working at a major airport on the European mainland, with 5 years on my back as ADI/APS/RAD/TWR etc. HR said the interview was for Swanwick TC.

Anyone working there that want to share some info?

Ageism by NATS
 

I have just done a job course from Mil to Civilian life but run by high brow civilian recruitement company when I said NATS not available I was to old, to say they were shocked was an understatement. By law no company can age discriminate! HM Forces differnet rules, just want to know peoples views please??

NM

Did an interview (don't know which level it would fit) on Friday at Prestwick. I've been told that is where tthe requirements for personnel are considering the expected move from the old to the new centre in less then 2 years.

Neilmac,

Plenty of threads about age limits for NATS. Suffice to say that for those with 'aviation experience' there are no age limits.

Telephone interview
 

I've been asked for an interview by telephone......
Anybody done/going to do one of those?

I've done an interview by telephone before (not for NATS or ATC). Not sure if your question was specific or more general. If former then please ignore remainder

Usually used when the distance need to travel means that they want to be more sure before inviting you to a face to face.

They are tricky because you cannot get any feedback from body language (have you spoken long enough, too long, are you heading down wrong track etc).

Main thing is make sure you get the right environment for your end of interview: quiet, no interruptions, drink to refresh yourself, notepad if you want it. Have your CV etc in front of you so that you do not contradict it. have info on the intended company as wel in case you need to check

Have a few questions you want to ask written down on your pad

Because you cannot read body language, make sure that you understand the question fully. Ask "Did you mean" type questions

All IMHO naturally (and yes I did get offered the job when I had one)

Thanks Chris,
You agree with advice on the internet, and sound encouraging

APCs
 

Hi all,

Do all ATCOs from other countries have to do an APC at Hurn before NATS allow them to do the Area course or are they allowed straight to Swanwick or Prestwick to commence OJT using there current license as previous experience.:)

APCs
 

It's not too simple, I'm afraid. Depends a lot on whether or not you're from Europe.
look in CAP744, especially Appendix 1 para 4.4
Then again, maybe NATS steamrollers over CAA requirements sometimes, as they have clout.
(if you don't get the idioms in this, then you definitely need a UK course!)

APCs
 

Thanks ptenisnet,
I certainly don't have the money to get them to take a look at my training background.:rolleyes:

Regards,

1LS.

Further to my post above, it turns out the age limit of 36 for the NATS selection process (not the experienced ATCO programme) is fixed. There is no further dispensation for those with ATSA/Mil ATCO/pilot experience.