This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
I worked as a member of the Operational Analysis department on the Science Industrial Placement Scheme at NATS. I very much enjoyed my placement overall and learnt a great deal about domestic and international air traffic management as well as a wide range of other aviation-related topics.
Every member of the Operational Analysis department made me feel welcome and at ease. This made it really easy to ask any questions I had during the year. Everyone was always willing to help me with my work and were easy to get along with.
My supervisor was very supportive and organised - we had regular meetings every month to review my work plan and progress. Meetings were also organised to discuss placement-related reports and visits.
There is always work to be getting on with but never too much so that you feel overloaded. My supervisor was always willing to talk about workload and it was easy to say when I felt I had too much or too little work.
I always felt part of the team and the work and responsibility I was given reflected this. I was given lots of opportunities to think for myself and influence decision-making.
My time management skills have definitely improved over the year. This will help me to work more efficiently when I go back to university. I have also had experience in analysing large data sets, writing technical reports and giving presentations.
Open plan office - very easy to communicate. Relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Very well organised - the industrial placement scheme within the Operational Analysis department has been running very successfully for a number of years.
There were lots of opportunities to go on training or familiarisation courses. There were also opportunities to visit operational sites to put my work into context, e.g. Heathrow Tower and Air Traffic Control Centre visits.
Subsidised Canteen
Sports and Social Club
Subsidised/Company Gym
Company Parties/Events
Above 25 days holiday
I would consider NATS as a career following my placement.
Got on very well with other students on placement. Cinema, gym, bowling etc.
Pretty standard I think...expect a rent of around £300
The nearest nights out are in Portsmouth/Southampton/Winchester. Fareham has a few pubs but nothing much.
Football, pub crawls, bowling evening etc.
Placement Year (10 Months+)
Aerospace/Aviation, Mathematics/Statistics
South East
June 2013