NATS Recruitment (ATCO)

[kev999_VTR]

Hey guys!
Just wandering if there is anybody off here that has gone through the NATS recruitment process to become an ATCO? (if you dont understand what it is then im guessing you havent, so not to worry, lol). Just I have my stage 1 interview and aptitude test in London soon, and I was wandering if anybody has any tips or info that I havent heard?
Thanks.
Kev.

[mrolinc]

I wouldn't mind getting into it. I hear it is very lucrative if you stick with it. However, downside of most stressful job in the world. I'm guessing you're doing the training thing down in Bournemouth, what is it like a 2 year apprenticeship style deal I think I read some time...

[MK2SLAG]

no idea what your talking about?atco?nats?

[kev999_VTR]

I wouldn't mind getting into it. I hear it is very lucrative if you stick with it. However, downside of most stressful job in the world. I'm guessing you're doing the training thing down in Bournemouth, what is it like a 2 year apprenticeship style deal I think I read some time...

Its worth it if you get to the end, definately. I will be doing the training at B'mouth if I get through, but I have to pass the intial aptitude test first, which is the difficult part.

[EH_Fella]

no idea what your talking about?atco?nats?

Air Traffic Control mate.

[MK2SLAG]

i can do that,when im pissed looking to flag someone down for a lift home looool

[RacerGal]

Hi, I went through the NATS ATC recruitment process in 2006. Sorry my reply is so lengthy but I think you'll find my experience useful.

I thought ATC would be something I'd be really good at and I have a bit of aviation experience. I was also tempted by the promises of £50k plus salary and career prospects. After completing the very lengthy application I was asked to attend a testing day in a London hotel and was given lots of revision to do beforehand. At the time of applying for the job, the NATS website said the training salary was £19k which would rise upon qualification. When I checked the website before the testing day, I noticed this figure had changed to £10k which I thought was a bit strange. After completing 8 hours of extremely difficult testing (lots of candidates gave up and walked out throughout the day), we were given the opportunity to talk to someone from NATS and ask questions. I asked why this salary figure had changed on their website. I was told that the terms had changed and that the training salary was £10k, which then when qualified would increase to £19k. The salary would then increase by £2k per year until you hit a ceiling of £70k. As it would take between 1-2 years to become qualified and you have to go to Bournemouth to go to college (they do not help you with accomodation/studying costs etc) I worked it out that I'd be in debt for several years (who can live on £10k?!) and it would take me at least 12 years before I would be on the salary I am on now!

This job is fine if you are a school leaver/living with parents and can afford to wait several years before earning a decent wage but I think for the responsibility involved, the salary is rubbish. I passed the testing but did not take the application any further. I have also noticed they are constantly recruiting...maybe because people are not prepared to go through so much for a poorly paid job. Also it's worth bearing in mind that NATS are the only employer in the UK for Air Traffic Controller so it's not like once you are qualified the qualification is of any use to anyone else should you decide to leave.

Hope this helps.

Just my opinion but

[JoNaH_FTW]

my dads and Air traffic controller at swanick. Job is stressful but thats why you get paid the money. Got to be ready for shift work aswell, he does 2 mornings 2 afternoons 2 nights then 2 days off but you get quite a lot of holiday if you want it

The qualification is of use as it shows you have the capacity to learn. The same as when you do a history degree at uni it doesnt help with any job (except historian) but shows an employer you have the potential to learn and have experience

[kev999_VTR]

Cheers for some of the insights guys. I knew the wage was poor, but i still live at home luckily and working for £12k a year, so wont be too much different. Its always been the job i have wanted to do, even from secondary school.
Ive been studying hard on the pre material they give you for the exam, and ive also ordered a book on the aptitude tests. So will have to see what happens.
Interesting reading peoples views on it.

[mrolinc]

words here

Interesting stuff, what do you do now out of interest?

[saxodan]

allways fancied this
but dont think id pass the piss test

wouldent want to be responsible for putting a plane full of people in danger after a heavy night on the sauce

[antony]

Hi guys,

does anybody of you use the SkyTest NATS ATCO prep software (www.skytest.com) to practise for the NATS tests and tell me his experience?

Thanks