@ Euronarator,
I know that you have to follow very strict rules regarding trainning,especially after ESSAR 5 ,but could you explain me the difference between your students and experienced ATCO. Both of them has to pass an OJT lasting about 12 months. So someone compares 8 months school for ab initio with 10 years operational experience. The point of direct entries lies exactly here. If you need people immediatelly then you will look for experienced people in order to reduce transition/validation period. I think that ME is good example how it works in real life. Very short validation period, but entry requirements are usually high ones. So shortage in Europe does not exist. As long as ANSP concers expat ATCOs as students. Story of shortage is more connected with union and associations matters. We are all asking for better T&Cs.