I have been working on this on of off for a while. I realise that I will probably never finish it without external help. Please feel free to answer the unanswered questions and comment and anything you think is not correct. Some of the text is copied from other posters and all credit remains with them.
Australian ATC Recruitment FAQ
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Disclaimer. This is not an official document. All information contained in is prepared to the best of my ability but it probably contains inaccuracies. Use t your own risk. All official queries to ASA recruitment.
Do I have what is required to do the job?
This is a very difficult question and there is no exact answer. For many years ASA recruiting have been trying to define this. Most people seem to think you either have it or you don’t. You can be trained to some degree but some will never get it regardless of how much training they get.
Quoting Le pingouin "You need to be able to maintain a good balance of contradictory demands - speed & accuracy, attention to detail without obsessing, flexibility within a rigid framework of rules, confident but aware of your limitations, able to adapt the way you work to suit the situation. "
Is there an age limit?
No. But past experience has shown that people over 35 will struggle with the training. There are always exceptions to the rule. If you're in a well paid job and think ATC would be a good career change, you should consider the fact that you may not pass the course.
What are the educational requirements?
Must have completed Year 12 with passes in English, Maths and Science [preferably Physics] or hold a tertiary education qualification or a Commercial or Private Pilot Licence.
What are the medical requirements?
From the ASA website:-
Medical Standards
Licensing as an Air Traffic Controller (ATC) requires attainment of a Class 3 Medical Certificate in accordance with medical standards specified by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The medical standards are specified in Part 67 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASRs). Any individual who is unable to meet the prescribed medical standards for Air Traffic Controller's will be ineligible to be issued with an ATC licence by CASA, and hence, will automatically be ineligible for ATC training and/or employment with Airservices Australia.
Please take the time to read Regulation 67.160 of Part 67 of the CASRs before lodging your application. You can find the regulations on CASA's website. In the event that you have any doubt about your ability to meet the prescribed medical standards, we strongly encourage you to seek further information from CASA before you submit your application. Telephone: 131 757.
I am not an Australian or New Zealand citizen. Can I apply? Will ASA sponsor me?
You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or have permanent residency status in Australia to apply. ASA will not sponsor you. If you don't have the right to live and work in Australia then you must first apply under the skilled migration scheme. For more info visit
here.. Note:- several years ago ASA did sponsor non citizens but this practise has ceased and they are unlikely to sponsor people in the near future.
How do I apply?
On the ASA website.
Air traffic controller | Airservices
What is the selection process?
The process I detailed here.
Applicant assessment – tests and interviews | Airservices
What should I expect/how can I prepare for the online testing?
The online testing involves 5 different areas.
Verbal reasoning; Where you're given a paragraph to read and have to answer questions which test your comprehension. The answers are either, True, False, or cannot say.
Numerical reasoning; Where you must answer questions based on statistical tables.
Numerical calculations; Basically, mental arithmetic. You are allowed to use a calculator, or pen and paper, but it's not that hard.
Checking test; Basically, recognising patterns in groups of numbers/letters.
Talent screener; This one is more of an HR wank. If you've already got, or have had a job, you'll breeze through this one.
There is an opportunity to practise some of the tests before you actually do them.
What should I expect/how can I prepare for the phone interview?
There is not much info on what happens in this. Just a few questions to confirm who you are and that you present ok. It is considered the easiest part of the process.
What should I expect/how can I prepare for the testing day?
If you get as far as the assessment, you'll be sent information on what it involves beforehand. For those of you that can't wait, here is the sort of thing you'll do on the day, in no particular order, since it's different for everyone. I'm not going into too much detail here, for obvious reasons.
Psychometric testing; Similar to what you did on the online testing, with a few extras. Group exercise; As a group, you're given a task to complete, while the assessors watch individuals to see how they work in a team. No, I won't tell you what the task is.
Simulation exercise; As the name suggests, you're given various ATC type scenarios that you must work through without killing anyone. You're expected to tell the assessors what you are doing as you go through it.
Behavioural interview; About an hour of talking about yourself. It's based on the STAR method, Situation or Task, Action you took, Results you achieved.
Briefing exercise; You'll be given some information to read, then you have 20 minutes to prepare a 10 minute presentation from that information.
Is there any way I can prepare for the assessment day? Yes, don't drink the night before, get plenty of sleep, and try to get there early. Other than that, try and visit a tower/centre and do as much research as you can about what the job involves.
How long is it between each stage of the selection process?
AsA have streamlined a lot of their selection process recently, but you still need to be patient in between the different steps.
A recent recruits experience:-
"I applied at the beginning of July 2011. At the end of the month I was invited to do the online testing. Around the middle of August I was advised I'd done okay in the online testing and was invited to book my phone interview, which happened at the beginning of September. The day after the phone interview I got an email to say I was through to the assessment stage, which happened 3 weeks later. Once the assessment was out of the way I had a six week wait before getting an offer at the beginning of November. Once all that is out of the way, you've got another two or three, or in my case five, months wait before your course starts."
Why doesn’t the person in recruiting return my call/email?
Any email is best followed up with a phone call. They usually get around to answering you but some stuff has gone missing in the past.
How do I organise a visit to a tower or centre.
Ring AsA on 1800 026 147 and tell them you want to visit a tower/centre. Your mileage may very though, especially if you tell them you're “thinking” of applying for a job. You're more likely to have success if you're going through the selection process and have already got to the stage of having booked your assessment day
How many trainees are selected each year.
ASA are aiming to train 100 people per year.
I am I given a choice Tower or Enroute?
Some people are given a choice. Some not.
Which is better Tower or Enroute?
They both have arguments for and against. You will have to make your own mind up. The deciding factor for a lot of people is the fact if you choose enroute you are going to Melbourne or Brisbane (usually you are offered a choice) and once there you probably won’t be moved. Tower recruits are expected to go to any tower in the country and probably will be moved more often.
Where is the training?
All tower courses are done at the ASA Learning Academy Tower Rd Melbourne Airport
Currently Enroute training courses are offered at the ASA Learning Academy in Melbourne or at the Air Traffic Services Centre in Brisbane. At the moment Brisbane does not have a huge amount of training capacity and they are limited to 1 or 2 courses at a time.
I have passed the selection process. When will I be placed on a course? Should I resign from my current job?
Anywhere from weeks for 6-8months. Keep in touch with recruitment. ASA is notorious for rescheduling/cancelling courses. DO NOT resign from you current job until the very last moment.
What hours will I be working when I am at the Learning Academy?
The hours at the college are organised (at the moment) into two "shifts" to maximise the use of the simulator. When you start, the first couple of days are 9-5, corporate induction, etc, then you'll go to 7am - 2:12pm for the theory block, and maybe the start of your sim work. At some stage you'll swap over to 11am - 6:12pm, do a few weeks of that, back to morning, etc. Mon-Fri.
How many people will be on my course?
4 People on a tower course.
8-16 on an enroute course.
Often combined tower/enroute courses for the first 6-8 weeks for theory.
Where should I look for a house/unit to live in while I am training?
This will depend on your circumstances.
Single, minimum commitments, looking for a place closer to the city/nightlife/public transport.
Suggested suburbs Essendon and surrounds
Married, family, pets etc need a family sized house.
Keilor, Taylors Lakes and surrounds.
Either way do you own research on cost/public transport/lifestyle.
Do I need a car or can I ride/public transport.
Melb
There is no public transport to the Learning Academy. Riding is possible. The nearest suburbs of Tullamarine, Keilor Park, Gladstone Park are about 8-10km ride.
Bris.
There is a train station near Brisbane Centre.
I am looking for a flatmate/share house to stay in.
Post in this thread. People are often looking for flatmates etc.
How long is the training?
Learning Academy: 12 months approximately
Final field training: 4 – 6 months approximately
Several recent courses have spent longer periods at the Academy due lack of training resources.
They have sent me a bunch of pre course study material. Do I really need to study it all? What are the important bits?
Learn and practice your phonetic alphabet. Practice on reading out loud number plates when you are driving.
The following are comments from 2009. I can't verfiy what the current expectation is:-
"I wouldn't fuss too much about the pre course material. Sure, do the reading and answer the questions but it really has no impact on your training at all. It's just background knowledge which you will cover during the course if needed. They are really just testing to see If you feel the need to dedicate some time to it, go for Meteorology, Flight Instruments and Aids and Principles of Flight."
How difficult and how much study do I need to do while training?
It is tough. The theoretical part is not conceptually difficult and anyone who has passed all the testing should be able to complete it without to much difficulty. The difficult part is applying the theory to the simulation component whilst under pressure. Yes some people will breeze through without many problems, others will struggle until it clicks and a significant number won't get through. I would suggest studying hard because there is nothing more annoying than having a trainee who fails because of lack of book knowledge. If you fail due to the lack of ability then there is nothing we can do. If you fail due to lack of diligence then we have all wasted our time.
I have a PPL/CPL/ATPL etc. Do I get any exemptions or RPL?
No exemptions are granted.
I am a pilot/have no aviation background. Will the training be easier/harder for me?
Some things will be easier as you will have covered this during your pilot training (Met, Nav etc). But these subjects are not to difficult to pick up for the non aviation background person. The hardest part is the simulation where you will all be on a level playing field.
Should I join Civil Air (the ATC union) during my training?
Yes. Civil Air has limited ability to help you during training as you are considered on probation, but in the past Civil Air has represented trainees during appeals against terminations and provided assistance in making sure correct entitlements have been paid. The cost is $10/month during training.
What percentage of trainees make it through?
This varies from course to course. Recent pass rates are approximately 60%???.
How much do I get paid?
College training :- $42266
Final Field Training:- $63400
Upon Rating :- $86294
After 9 years:- $161343
Due to current staffing levels there is an abundance of overtime and you could possibly earn 10-20% more if you are prepared to do the hours.
How am I going to afford the support my family while on such a low training wage? Can I do another job part time while training?
It is going to be very tough. People with families to support will struggle. Consider very carefully if you are prepared to sacrifice up to 18months of your life with no result.
You must obtain permission from ASA to have a second job. You are almost certain not to get permission during training. You probably will need all your energy and spare time dedicated to the training and hence a second job is not recommended. Some people have been known to continue on there trade/business during holidays and weekends to help make ends meet.
Is there a gym?
Yes. Both Melbourne and Brisbane centres have a gym.
Do I get a choice of where I get posted after training.
Enroute:- Yes Melbourne or Brisbane
Tower:- They may take into consideration you preference but there are no guarantees.
What sort of shift pattern will I work once rated?
You will work a nominal 36 hour week. The shift patterns vary widely depending on what group/tower you are posted to. Some typical shift patterns are
MMAANNOOO (more examples wanted)
How much overtime am I expect to do?
Your working conditions are governed by our certified agreement which covers working hours and time off. The CA states that you are required to do "reasonable overtime". The CA also has list of reasons why you may refuse to do overtime. If you do not have one of these reasons, then ASA may discipline you. You are not required to be contactable or to return calls when you are rostered off. Some groups are more short staffed than others and if you are on a really short staffed group you can expect to be called on every day off. Others maybe a once or twice a fortnight.
I have read that you are short staffed and that morale is low. What’s the real story?
Yes we are still short staffed and we need every extra body we can get. Like any jobs it has its positives and negatives. Most people are happy doing the job of separating the airplanes. There are some unhappy people and most people despair at management. If you are willing to ignore some of the crap that goes on it is not a bad place to work.