Don't look now.. I don't count you 2 brits since I know how much you guys like it in GVA
LOL Besides.. can't call the scotsman a brit can ww ?
100% of coordination within the ACC is done in french right now.. and "don't look now" is right when 60% of coordination with others centres done in english.
Although the UAC is english only on the frequency we still coordinate in french with PARIS, MARSEILLE and REIMS. I personally don't see this changing anytime soon.
Having said this, the company is trying to recruit about a dozen more and since last week this number might increase seeing that 3 of us are leaving. They are not getting any applicants who have french as a second language. Soooo what they want to do is make the operation 100% english. Eventually this will have to happen but even if it does. People will still talk to each other in french in the lunch room, hallways and even between each other at the sector. Believe me, it's not fun when you can't understand what's going on around you.. ie' the swiss germans in the ACC. that talk amongst them.
You ask why would they recruit people with almost no english, no high density control experience...? Well to be honest I don't know. The best luck Skyguide has had so far is with Canadians since some of us speak french and work in semi busy units. I am not saying it's impossible but for example.. I went to school in french, my first language was french but was raised in the english part of Canada. I had never worked ATC in french before arriving here... let me just say this.. it's not easy at first..
I am in no way discouraging people from coming here, just keep in mind it's not going to be a cake walk. I disagree with one of the earlier posts. Sorry, not everyone can qualify here and that's been proven. People with lots of experience have failed.
I certainly do not regret coming here, I've had a great time and made some good friends..(even with a brit?? ) LOL But just know what you're getting yourself into...