Some good news and some bad...
I first applied 28/05/01 and started 09/07/01 so the tests, medical, security, etc don't always take that long.
Unfortunately courses are much smaller now 'cos although we need more ATCO's in the long term no one wants to pay them in the short term after the events in sept.
As for where you'll end up... in theory anywhere is possible but you'll do well to avoid NERC.
Still good luck to all. Be patient. From what I've done it's well worth it.