I rarely seen people needing only 3 years!
Most of them take a longer time until all licences are achieved!
But everything between 3 years and almost 4 years is a good value to calculate with for ab initios!
You are getting new, ready-to-work ATCOS in one year???!!!
Hm.....that is why some in DFS are thinking of good assements. Not every controller is able to cope with the central european airspace, it is definetly the most complex one in Europe. I have no idea about the amount traffic in other parts of the world, but central Europe with all its hubs is not easy to work and they (DFS) made experience in former times with ready entries (at least at Karlsruhe UAC): Only a very few made it!
Good luck to all - do your best! We´re waiting for you!
Only 2008 until this week in average 8,6 % more traffic (only for UAC, lower sectors not as much as here) in respect to 2007!
FY
Edit: If a ATCO changes the center, he will get the normal salary! No downgrading during training!