ATC Investigator/System Engineer Review

I somewhat vacillated between awarding an average score and a higher score, as the work fluctuated between dull and fascinating. I went with a higher score of 8 as working for NATS offers the opportunity for radar site visits, airport visits, plugging in with a controller and air show promoting - exciting experiences that really stand out. Besides, I struggle to imagine any company that doesn't have its dull days!

The support and encouragement remained constantly high throughout the year which helped with feeling like a valued member of the team; that they wanted me there. There were however times at which it was clear I was treated as a junior and 'forgotten about', i.e. left out of important conversations concerning my area of work.

Not just management and supervisors, but there is a real culture for support within NATS. I would say it's one of the best features for working here; the support that anyone you ask provides.

Throughout my year I would say I wasn't once overloaded with work to do, if anything I was under-loaded. Some days the balance was right, others I had to find things to keep myself busy, particularly towards the end when most of my usual work was completed.

My first six months I was solely responsible for completing several units of work from start to finish and my final six months I was responsible for the creation and review of a functional document. However, the reason for scoring 8 and not 10 is that throughout all of it there was always a senior member of staff that I was responsible to, i.e. I would individually complete the work for them, but they would have responsibility for the work in the wider company. Having said that, it's a logical way of doing things as I was only in the company for a year, it also reduces the pressure in case I made any mistakes.

The underlying point of a degree is to make you more employable, something which I think working for NATS as a placement student excels at. Working here has helped me scope my final year project, taught me about the ATM infrastructure (relevant to my degree) and helped me develop as a professional.

My first 6 months were spent in a lively, fun office, my final 6 months were spent in a dull office. Scored slightly better than 5 as there is a strong early careers presence, so there's always the opportunity to go for a coffee or spend lunch with friends.

The fundamental structure of the scheme is very well organised. Hiring, induction, first day and day-to-day management all run smoothly. I feel there were a few teething problems around some aspects of my placement e.g. being unsure if I would rotate departments and not getting training that I requested.

NATS offered plenty of opportunity for development through both internal and external training sessions as well familiarisation trips. You get a sense that they want you to develop rather than just do work.

I know of plenty of placement students that have returned as graduates and are now working for NATS full time, they're dotted all around the company. They also run an internal assessment of placement students so that you don't have to go through the application and interview process (again!). I also know of several ex graduates that are progressing well within the company.

There is a great social scene amongst early careers members. The current/ex graduates looked after the new intakes and organised monthly socials until eventually everyone formed friends and did their own thing. There were also a couple of company organised events (Christmas due, annual conference).

Compared to what I'm used to, expensive! Fuel prices were consistently 5-6p more per litre than where I'm from, a pint was roughly £5 and rent was expensive. I think the location (Portsmouth) suffers slightly from being in close proximity to London.

I lived in Portsmouth and commuted. Portsmouth nightlife (being a university city) is great! Plenty of variety, including what seems to be a pub on every corner!

Depends on what you class as 'outside of work'. I'm putting 9 because there were opportunities to 'volunteer' at air shows and careers fairs, although you still get paid for these, so they're still kind of classed as work. Other than that though there are several charity events throughout the year to get involved in (hikes, bike rides, pub-quizzes, general charity events).