Thanks for your replies.
Unfortunately I don't know any other language.
"My first question is why did you fail to validate? I thought students, or any ATCO for that matter, who failed to validate would be given another shot on a different sector or a different unit. Did the people at Swanwick give you detailed reasons for your failure because that could be highly significant.
I guess you need MER to hold a full licence? It may be difficult finding an Area job as you failed at Swanwick but hope you find something. Presumably you do not have an Aerodrome or Approach Rating? It would be easier to find work with those, although I suspect that potential employers would want a full licence rather than a Student one."
I was not consistent enough. I showed that I could do the job, but there were too many small issues to overcome. I guess they were just a bit scared that on a bad day I wouldn't be good enough. I couldn't really nail down one particular reason. Safety wasn't an issue. Towards the end of my training I was told by numerous instructors that I am 95% there and just need 'polishing', which makes it that bit harder to swallow. It would be easier to deal with being told I was just not cut out for it...
I don't have any other ratings unfortunately. I know back in the day trainees covered all aspects, but not these days. We are streamlined for a particular discipline.
@chevvron - I have looked into the middle east, paricularly considering my sister lives out in Dubai, but there is more reasearch I could do around that. In the UAE they seem only to be taking on locals for ab initio training, and for all expats they want 2 - 3 years valid experience....
@Crazy Voyager - You are right. They don't automatically give you a second chance like they used to, which is a bit strange considering how much money they could actually save in the long term. I am basically left to apply for external roles or just work out my 3 month notice period....
@ ZOOKER - Thanks! I totally agree! It is a waste. I have been told that Prestwick aren't taking any more ab initios for another two years, and that SLAM is unlikely an option for me considering I am technically on a contract as a trainee and SLAM is a 3 year 'secondment' of sorts...it is extremely frustrating because I know that I could become a very proficient controller in the right place, ie: Scottish. At risk of sounding like I am making up excuses, there were a few mitigating factors which didn't help me while training. I'll leave it at that. Oh, yes, area was my first choice when applying and Swanwick was too. I was training on West End.