I've been following this thread and a similar one on NATSNET as i've just started the college at the age of 35. Similarily, a fair percentage of my fellow students are above the age of 30. I feel i've passed all the assessments, medical and interviews on merit and that i have a lot to offer the ATC community in life experience. It is a challenge, but i'm hoping for the support of validated atco's, as are my colleagues, not the impression that we're too old to do the job.
You're input in the debate is most welcome. I would agree though that NATS is a business and as such maximum return on their investment is desirable. However, a point was made that a young trained atco can still leave the company for greener pastures. Surely this is the risk a company takes when training new staff be them young or old?