The new testing, provided by SHL, will be integrated into an existing online recruitment management system provided by software provider Peopleclick Authoria, improving the efficiency of the recruitment process.
It is hoped the new online recruitment process will significantly reduce the time taken to evaluate candidate results and will enable NATS to quickly re-engage with candidates once the test has been taken, leading to an improved candidate experience.
SHL's checking test is specifically designed to assess an individual's ability to quickly and accurately compare information, such as numbers, letters and patterns. It will be used by NATS to evaluate a candidate's potential in the ATC role, where perceptual speed and high standards for maintaining and monitoring quality and quantity are required.
Andy Hutchison, ATC recruitment manager at NATS, said: "Analysis of data obtained in a trial of the online checking tests showed that the test was a good predictor of future performance in the assessment process.
"By allowing candidates to take the test online before the assessment day, we hope to see an increase in the number of strong candidates that we are putting through the assessment day itself. Candidates who do not display the required aptitudes will be screened out earlier on in the recruitment process, saving us and the candidates considerable amounts of time and money.
"Previously, 40% of applicants did not attend assessment days, resources for which had already been allocated. By offering candidates the chance to take a test at home, we expect that this percentage will be reduced in the knowledge that they have met our initial standards."
