Reassurance
A word of reassurance to all the hopefuls above. There is no malice in ATC. From the selection process, imperfect though it may sometimes seem, to the training for the fortunate few, no-one WANTS you to fail. All along the way decisions are made for the benefit of both the individual and NATS.
It is a demanding job with particularly demanding training which of course leads to a role in a safety critical industry.
We try to select people who are robust enough from the outset to face all the demands and to be able to face criticism which, in this PC age, may not be readily familiar from the school environment.
It surprises even me that we are asking 17 & 18 year olds to show evidence of life skills and experiences which they have barely had time to accumulate. However, bear in mind that even an initial setback in the selection process can be formative. If you return at all this is in itself instructive to the selectors.
We do want you to succeed at all stages of your endeavours and, be assured, there is no greater joy to see the end product - a newly validated controller.
Very good luck to all of you.