Fattys hit the nail on the head. I reckon background is not as important as having the skills they are looking for - you either have those or you don't - which is what you have to demonstrate at the assessment centre.
What has others found out about how competitive the course is? I mean as someone said, 12 positions, not 100 people going for it I hope....
At the assessment day (new style) we were told that so long as we pass the assessment centre (and referees etc. check out) we will eventually get a position on a course.. it's not as if you are all fighting for 12 spots. In fact, multiple people from my assessment centre got through and were placed in 2-3 different courses.