Re: March Course
Don't be put off by what you read about training and stuff on Pprune, this is a good place to blow off steam after a busy day and is a great stress-reliever......and don't forget the qualifier statement at the bottom of the page.
Over the last decade, and perhaps even before that, the industry has exploded beyond all expectation; modern ATC is intense and unrelenting.....particularly as the many low-fare airlines fly very long "days" to make the best of their aircraft utilisation.
The training courses have been shortened considerably from what they were, but one point of relevance is that the "veterans", as you refer some of us old dogs, have adapted to the demand and the added complexities of airspace changes and traffic handling using experience and assimilated knowledge and expertise.
It would be unfair to say that to-day's trainees are less capable....it would be more appropriate to say that the job is far more difficult and demanding than ever before. You have to endure a learning curve that many of the "vets" would be unable match if the situations were reversed.
I wish you all the best of luck...work hard and the reward is worth it....if I was to give you any advice it would be to lay off the booze and give the job your best. If you want the job...make the effort!
Regards.