Biggles152:
Don't neccesarily expect to achieve validation after 40 hours supervised training. It took me much longer, despite the fact that I had been flying for ten years. I didn't mind because the training was great fun. It may also happen that you realise that air traffic work is not for you after all. A number of people have started validation training at my unit but then given up for this reason.
As I guide, a couple of months part-time study will get you through the exams, building on you PPL knowledge. Study at the unit could easily be the same, depending on local circumstances and the content of the MATS Part 2 equivalent.
Mind you, I started in my late 50s. If you're twenty-something, I should think it will be much easier.
Alan.