NATS Interview Process - FAO ATC's

TheDean

TheDean

TheDean

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Joined
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Hi all,

Submitted my application and have got through to the 1st stage. I'm not that excited just yet, as I'm sure so have thousands of others.....I have picked my date and time for it but would like to know a little more.
What does the 1st stage involve and how long does it last? How many stages are after this and what do they involve?

Cheers,

TheDean
 
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I did it a long time ago (about 7 years), but when I went it was a full day at NATS headquarters in London. We were split into two groups and did a maths test, spatial awareness test (failed!), an ATC knowledge quiz and a psychometric test. We also talked to a serving ATCO about the job. It was actually quite an enjoyable day, worth doing even tho I didn't get through to stage 2.
 
This is something im considering applying to do when I finish my degree so would like to hear more information also.
 
It has been over 4 years now since I did the first stage tests and it has probably changed quite a bit since then but it involved about 6 or 7 questionnaires. There was a mental arithmetic paper, spatial reasoning (flattened out cubes etc.), motivational paper (testing you on the material you were sent out), personality paper, aviation knowledge and something else which I cannot remember.

The thread on PPRuNe which neodude has linked to will be of more help.

Second stage will be a series of interviews, technical, human resources and a computer test.

Third stage is security background checking and your CAA Class 1 medical.

Fourth stage is finding a place to live in Bournemouth :D

Best of luck with it and keep us up to date with your progress. If you have any questions about the job or anything like that just fire away or you can click my sig and email me.



Visage said:
Presumably Donal's the guy for something like this.
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I have just had a word with him. He's off to Geneva on his private jet to pick up his new bespoke Rolex. He's far too busy to post here nowadays.
 
I think it now goes something like this...

1. Written tests... spatial awareness, ATC knowledge, personality etc.
2. HR interview and computer tests
3. Interview with an ATCO and group working exercise
4. Background checks and medical
 
Scuzi...what sort of level maths would you say you require to pass the test? We talking A-Level maths here or will my B Grade GCSE be sufficient?
 
Could someone give me the salary progressions again please? I.e. Salary in training (how long does that last?), salary in 1st year, salary in second year, salary in 3rd year etc etc etc - I may need to do some sums

Cheers!
 
TheDean said:
Could someone give me the salary progressions again please? I.e. Salary in training (how long does that last?), salary in 1st year, salary in second year, salary in 3rd year etc etc etc - I may need to do some sums

Cheers!
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Website said:
On appointment as a trainee at the College, you will receive a basic salary of £10,000 plus an attractive remuneration package which includes:
• a contributory final salary pension scheme
• generous annual leave
• a variety of voluntary benefits
• family friendly policies.

You will also receive a weekly accommodation payment of £60, net of tax. This will be paid to you whilst you are undertaking your College based training. It is paid monthly in arrears from week one of your Basic Course, and subject to a maximum payment period of 18 months. The accommodation payment will cease on transfer to your first unit.

In addition, a further tax free sum of £1,000 will be paid to you once you have successfully completed your College based training, in recognition of the additional travel and related expenditure that you have incurred whilst at the College.

After completion of the College training phase you will receive a salary of £15,000 to £19,000 (subject to which Unit you train at). On validation of Licence, which will typically take 2–3 years, you will be appointed as an Air Traffic Controller (ATCO); as well as an attractive salary you will also receive shift pay. On appointment as an ATCO you will have the potential of earning up to £48,890 including shift pay (at 1 January 2007) dependant on your Unit, with the potential to earn up to £84,919 (dependant on Unit) plus shift pay and London weighting
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http://www.natscareers.co.uk/careers.asp?c=1&s=7&a=47
 
Kyle009 said:
Scuzi...what sort of level maths would you say you require to pass the test? We talking A-Level maths here or will my B Grade GCSE be sufficient?
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I did A Level maths. It's hard to say what is required as it comes down to your personal ability to perform quick calculations accurately in your head. Someone with a B at GCSE could be better than this than someone with a degree in Pure Maths.


TheDean said:
Could someone give me the salary progressions again please? I.e. Salary in training (how long does that last?), salary in 1st year, salary in second year, salary in 3rd year etc etc etc - I may need to do some sums
Click to expand...

Salary at the college = £10k a year. I heard a rumour about an extra living allowance but I'm not sure. Maybe someone who is at hte college can answer.

The salary after the college depends on where you are posted to. Most people will go to a Band 5 unit, Swanwick or Heathrow. The salary for this is:

On beginning unit training - £16k
On beginning of live training - £18k
On first validation providing it is on or after your 3rd anniversary of starting with the company - £52k (Includes shift allowance)
 
Curious, does the college apply to those going in under graduate program to become systems engineers?

Only ask because on the site it said £25k starting, so I am a little confused by the £10k at college for x year(s), then 3 years £16-18k till you earn £52k (upto?), pay grades are very steap, though it seems to compensate the the below poor starting salary (based on graduate salaries usually 2.5x this.)
 
--ki-- said:
Curious, does the college apply to those going in under graduate program to become systems engineers?

Only ask because on the site it said £25k starting, so I am a little confused by the £10k at college for x year(s), then 3 years £16-18k till you earn £52k (upto?), pay grades are very steap, though it seems to compensate the the below poor starting salary (based on graduate salaries usually 2.5x this.)
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The information here only applies to ATCO training positions. The excuse for reducing the training salary by 50% (it used to be over £20k) was that it costs a fortune to train you. They eventually want to make it like pilot training where you won't get a salary at all and may have to pay towards the training yourself :eek:
 
Stage 1 - Aptitude tests, numerical abilities, dyslexia tests, spacial awareness, 3D visualisation skills, tests on an information pack NATS send out to you, that kind of thing

Stage 2 - Quick interview and computer tests (abilities to solve methematical problems whilst doing other things)

Stage 3 - Full interview and teamwork exercises

If you pass stage 3, you're heading to the college at Bournemouth! I've passed the college and have been at Swanwick for about 5 months now. It's hard work, but if you're willing to put in the effort, the pay is immense and job satisfaction is high.

I'm sure there was a post on here asking similar things a few months ago...

edit: here we go!
 
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