When I look at the course I was on at the college, of the 30 who started, approx. 10 got through the college first time, another 10 using a recourse, 10 didn't make it. Of those 10 though probably 5 where offered jobs within NATS.
Pretty much everyone who got through the college went on to validate at a unit. Some units are harder to validate at than others normally if someone gets chopped they will then be sent somewhere less busy and are then normally successful.
Until you are a valid controller I would say don't buy a new car/house and leave your Mrs. where she is!