...meanwhile, back to the subject......some 5 years ago, the then Chancellor of CATC suggested to GATCO that there were no problems with the revised training scheme for Cadets. Although GATCO quoted an accountable 70% failure rate - at the College - the Chancellor disputed this. Mr P-W apparently indicated that he considered Cadets who were 're-treaded' and were succesful 2nd time around, were still part of the original training intake and thus proved a better success rate.
Of course, GATCO suggested that had the Course lengths not been shortened to expedite larger numbers through, whilst accepting a higher failure rate, then the success rate might have been significantly higher anyway. Mr P-W was therefore right in his assertion that a longer training period might benefit some Cadets.
There was some correspondence between CATC and GATCO at the time - perhaps someone from GATCO could dig it out and remind us. I believe GATCO also took the matter up with heads of CAA and NATS.
Obviously, the problem continues. At one time NATS seemed to be looking for a 'cloning' assessment to find the right candidates at the start. They seemed to belive that if you could clone ATCOS a much better success rate might be achieved. Looks like we still haven't found the answer, then.
But, is it selection, or initial training that is the problem ?
The question of OJTI, especially at the busier Units (TC,ER and Admes) also needs addressing, because many Trainees do not seem to have a full grasp of what they have let themselves in for. 200+ hours of OJTI simply is not sustainable when you have limited staffing already at your Unit. Plus, many OJTIs are becoming increasingly frustrated at lack of recognition for their skills in bringing these 'youngsters' to 'adulthood'.