Why are there places for Oct ATC course?
 

Hi, The NATs application thread seems awash with people who are desparate to become cotrollers. How is it that the NATs website has places on the October course. Is the selection so tough all these people can't get through?

Short answer is yes, that's pretty much the case.

I can't remember the exact statistic but it's something like 5% of people who apply actually are good enough to get on a course. Of those that get on a ratings course only 70% of those pass. And of those not everyone manages to validate at a unit and actually become an ATCO.

Taking that into consideration, from all the applicants NATS see, only 2-3% will make it. Long odds and a sobering thought.