Thank You Mr. Fat Controller, my sentiments exactly.
..Lardy, I NEVER said that nothing worthwhile is achieved at CATC, Far from it. CATC does provide a BASIS for future training, that is what they are supposed to do. However "live" training is something else again.
Nope, I DO NOT BELIEVE (and never have)that world revolves around LATCC (TC or AC), Scottish (Airways or Oceanic) or anywhere else I've been valid. It wouldn't matter for example if you'd been sent to Birmingham (no offence EGBB folks) for a YEAR to cool your heels. It's what YOU do in that time that's important. The experience of working as part of an Operational ATC team, even as an ATSA, is invaluable and cannot be taught at CATC.
I guess what it comes down to is *attitude*, as alluded to by My colleague above. Two things. One, There is no such thing as a wasted experience. Two, (my favourite) Experience is something you have, immediately AFTER the first time you needed it.
Enjoy your training
rgds
BEX