HELP - ATC Trainin in Oz (non airservices)

[weselfluren]

Help!!

I was an applicant in the system over the 9/11 period, some might remember me! After putting life and career on hold for almost 4yrs, I was eventually chopped by a one-man panel (after all the tests, panel interviews, computer matching tests etc.) that I wasn't suitable to become an ATCO as I was too management orientated (should have worked in McDonald's obviously...) and that I wasn't committed to the cause - ie.NATS (?!?:mad: ). I did feel slightly better after reading the absurd case of the trainee who was deemed too big as it just showed what a lottery the NATS process could be...

Well, following that crushing desicion two years ago (almost to the date :{ ), I am now the proud owner of an Ozzie Visa. Only two more years and I'll be eligable to apply for training with Airservices Australia - a path which I am certainly intending to follow - as I am not management orientated and I certainly am committed to the vocation (so there Mr NATS HR:p !!).

PLEA FOR HELP - I am still hungry to work in ATC, possibly at Adelaide/Mt.Gambier etc. Airport and was hoping that Australia operates an assistant scheme like the UK does. I can't find any info on the web, nor any direct contacts. Am due to arrive in Adelaide in August/September 2006, and still have the burning desire to become an ATCO, or at least involved in ATC operations, whichever way I can. Would even consider paying for training privately, but again, it all seems to be run by Airservices and can't find any more info on t'internet.

Thanks,
WF :D

[topdrop]

I'm not sure what an ATSA in UK does, but in Oz we do have Flight Data Coordinators and Simulator Support Officers.
Exactly what FDCs do, I can't tell you as I work an outstation TCU and they are only in Brisbane and Melbourne. SSOs act as pilots in the simulator - again in Brissy or Melbourne.
This may help
http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/employment/domestic_international.asp

or try posting on the Union's forum (Civilair). I'm sure there would be some there that could help you.
http://www.civilair.asn.au/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl

Just realised that you want non-Airservices - there's no privatised ATC in Oz (as yet) - so I guess you're out of luck in this area :bored:

[karrank]

I don't believe we have ATC assistants as they do in Europe, the TFDC we have there are two on duty in Melbourne during core hours and the same in Brisbane. Adelaide has TMA & Tower controllers only, (and the TMA may be moving to Melbourne.) There is no ATS in Mt. Gambier (which is about a 5 hour drive from Adelaide, in case you were considering commuting).

The only ANSP are Airservices, the Military and CAGRO units in remote areas, the last of which you can't train for (would you believe). It would be Airservices or a blue suit for you! Best of luck.

[weselfluren]

Karrank/Topdrop - thanks for the quick replies to the post.
Think you've confirmed my suspicions/fears. So, looks like it'll be odd-jobs at the local airfield/Hungry Jack's near the airfield (admin, cleaning the toilets etc....:E ) until I've done my two years working in South Australia and can get the forms off to Airservices. Another 3yrs and I'll be on my way to becoming a true blue Aussie. Can't wait.
Apart from getting as much info as possible, harrassing the local ATC unit/working for them on the admin side - is there anything worth considering doing to boost your chances of selection with ASA - ie. courses/work experience/PPL etc?
On the plus side, the Wife will be happier with the prospect of the "big" city and the bright lights of rundle street/Glenelg over the charms of Mt.Gambier - even if there is less surf!
Thanks guys!
WF:ok: