FAO Scuzi - ATCO Questions

itsallaboutyou

itsallaboutyou

itsallaboutyou

Associate
Joined
11 Mar 2005
Posts
1,168
Scuzi,

As a well travelled man - I assume (well hope!) that you'll have the answers to some of my questions..

I'm considering a change of career - and ATCO looks like something that would interest me, however I do have a few reservations..

I'm currently a Civil Engineer for a multinational - which is fantastic - but to be honest I'm getting bored and I think I'm still young enough to make a change - but I'd have to do it soon(ish).

Could you tell me a little bit more about your job? I assume your employed by NATS?

If its not too presumptious - what is the starting salary like, assuming I would be a trainee? I'm a mortgage payer and obviously wouldnt want to jeopardise that - but as I read more and more about the job - it seems like a very worthwhile career and something that I would enjoy!

I know its a stressful job and its not all Angelina Jolie / Bill Bob Thornton esque - but I am interested in finding out more..

Any info you could give would be fantastic.

I must also stress that I'm not rushing into anything - I'm just weighing things up...

Cheers in advance :)

Tom*
 
Hi Scuzi - thanks for your quick reply and very in depth post!

It does seem like a fantastic opportunity - the only problem I can see as a trainee is the pay! I may take the deg approach and see where that takes me. As I completed my degree whilst on the job over the past 5 years, I'm not earning a bad salary! Its not a barrier to changin careers - but it just means I'd have to work that little bit harder to ensure my mortgage is paid etc etc.. and the bloomin council tax has gone up!

I'm going to contact the HR/Personnel people and ask their advice from a HR point of view - there may be an alternative route *here's hoping!*

But the salary progression once the training is complete is er *cough* rather fantastic - so thats another plus point! :)

In terms of stress etc - I'm glad you mentioned that (although I'll avoid direct use of the word from now on!) - I suppose like every job it has it's ups and downs (no pun intended - honestly!) but as you mention the training is good and at the end of the day that's what you're paid for!

I think I'm going to seriously consider this - I'll let you know how I get on - and probably pester you with more questions!

Cheers again sir,

Tom*
 
Masterdog said:
Scuzi, I went to a testing day (or whatever the first interview type thing they give you is called) at NATS about seven years ago now, when I was 17 and passed everything except the spatial awareness. Do you know if they're still doing the same testing as back then (I see no reason why they'd change it)? Don't suppose they give you any tips about improving spatial awareness you could pass on? :)
Click to expand...

I've spent all afternoon on the NATS website and you can download an example paper from here

Gives some pointers at the end!

Tom*
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom