Airservices Australia Psychometric Testing

[triathlon]

Hi All,
This is for anyone in the know.
Airservices has advertised for ATC DELIVERY
SPECIALISTS, Brisbane and Melbourne
locations.
My question is: Is Airservices looking to
ramp up courses run out of Brisbane?
This is how it looks.
Thanks in advance for anyone in the know.
This would would be good as I live in Brisbane.

[ergaster2]

Just curious, for those that got through, wondering how much be notification you got after getting an offer, before actually starting. Did you get any choice in your start date?
The application form gives us an option to specify that we need four weeks notification with our current employers, but not much more flexibility (it'd be nice to be able to quit my current job a while before starting the training, to get a bit of a holiday.
Thanks,

[Fatty182]

Someone who just started said they got about 9 weeks notice of their start date, and I think mine was about the same at the start of the year, so if it's about the same, you could probably get in a holiday alright :)

[mclovin2]

not new to the site but thought i would finally sign up.

i applied for the atc role in june and heard back in july and just recently completed my online testing. i'm yet to hear anything further, so i pressume i will sometime get an email stating i have or have not been successful.

is anyone else at the same progress as me?

[f50barchetta]

Hi Mclovin2,

I know it doesn't help much but I applied in April, completed the on-line assesment in May/June and have not heard from ASA recruitment since. Some applicants on this forum have indicated that the process can take up to 18 months, knowing this doesn't stop me from wanting to email them to see if I have progressed past the on-line assesment.

[Guatemala]

Mclovin2 I'm in pretty much the same situation as you. Applied June and have also just recently completed the online tests.

I'm not expecting to hear anything soon though as I've accepted it is going to be a long process. Like everyone I would love to get some good news though!

Just have to forget about it almost, otherwise the waiting will kill you!

[Woodwork]

ASA recruitment don't employ a huge number of people, and concurrently with their ab-initio intake they are running a campaign for experienced ATCOs, who must also complete the aptitude testing and interview process. As many of those applicants will be ex-military controllers required to provide the RAAF with 90 days' notice, if they want them starting in 2012, their applications need to be finalised now.

No doubt, they're just busy!

[jetdownunder]

Hi everybody!

I am new here on the forum, although have peeked a view times!
I have my assessment day in Brisbane soon, and I was just sooooooooooooo excited to hear about the training now also been given in Brisbane. I live 15 minutes from the airport :ok:

I have done the "old" assessment test day 3 or 4 years ago, and was so disappointed to have just missed out (got through all the tests quite a bit above the mark, but failed on the last simulation test. I think I was just tired or something???? Who knows.) Went back to work etc., blah, blah........but hey, old dreams and passions never die!!!

I have been wanting to be an ATController since I was 20 years old! Went through all the tests 20 years ago already in Amsterdam and got really far then (last 20 out of 600 or so, they hired 10 :uhoh:). Tests were different again back then. Just as hard!

I am determined to get into the training this (last?) time. I think I really have what it takes, but we will know by the end of the month (hopefully). If not, I at least know I really have given it my everything.... I guess I am living proof you should never give up on your dreams. I have already had a very satisfying and rewarding career (and am still in the middle of it), but this passion seems to keep itching :)

Hope to have good news on this forum in a few weeks or months time. Great to have met you! (regardless of the future)

[Fatty182]

Not wanting to burst any bubbles, but I wouldn't count on getting a Brisbane spot if you get through, I'm from Brisbane and they sent me to Melbourne, along with a few others, and the most recent course that did start in Brisbane has mostly Melbourne people apparently! Very silly, especially since they pay a moving allowance, they could have saved themselves quite a lot of money.

But I'd consider it a win either way for you, Brisbane means you stay at home, Melbourne, you get to come to the college and be with a lot of other people doing the same thing, which is helpful, plus I've found not being at home has removed a lot of distractions as well!

[Plazbot]

What's the story with Bris Instructors? Are they full time like the Melbourne set up or are they GTS/NTS (or whatever they are now) or Controllers full time? Are they expected to remain current on their regular groups?

[ask23]

Thanks for all this info guys. I've had my phone interview and I'll have the test day in Brisbane in 3 weeks or so. Does anyone here know a bit more on what to expect during that day? And has it changed since the previous posts? tnx!

[ask23]

@jetdownunder: Are you Dutch too? Hope to see you in Brizzie next month. At the end of the phone interview, I was told I'd get an invite for the test, so no waiting at all for a couple of weeks!

[ergaster2]

McLovin2:

If you just completed the online assessment in the last few weeks I wouldn't worry yet. As they say on here, "good news travels as slowly as bad news". I don't see why one couldn't hear back right away after the online test, since it's automated, but maybe they standardise the results, or only have different cut-off scores for people from different cities (for the testing day), or maybe (since it's ran by some external, British, company) it takes a while for them to get the results back. Those would be the only valid reasons I could think of.

Anyway, FWIW, without giving out too much information, my process has been something like this:
mid-March: applied
earl April: finally established that ASA hadn't actually got my application properly, and applied again
end of May: received an invitation to do the online test (I was given about eight days to do it)
mid June (about nine days after the final date for completing the online test): received an email saying I'd been successful, and then soon after an invite to arrange a time for a phone interview
late June: phone interview (I had the choice of times spread out over one week)
early August: invited for the testing day in late August.

So for me the big wait was after the phone interview (even though I was told I would hear back in two or three weeks).

I guess most people who failed wouldn't be on here any more, so we wouldn't really know if it takes longer to get a rejection letter or not. I didn't think I did that well on the online test.

I think the next set of testing days (other than the ones coming up in a week or two) are in Melbourne in late October. If you're not in Melbourne, perhaps they're waiting till there's a testing day in your city.

Cheers,

[Spider27]

Recently joined these forums, So hi everyone!
Just posting my ATC application progress so far.

Applied for:
Job ID: 492434 – People & Change - Air Traffic Controller in Training 2011 - Nationally
(not sure what "people & changed" means, but I double checked and it appears to be ATC, if someone can clear this up that would be great.)

Early July: submitted my job application, including resume.
Early August: Completed online SHL tests.
Was really happy with how I went, except for the numerical reasoning test.

Currently Mid August: Waiting for a Email regarding Phone interview.
Does anyone know if we didn't get through to the phone interview, will we still receive an email informing us of this?

Thanks and good luck all :)

[jetdownunder]

Yes I'm Dutch. I have my test day next Monday. But I didn't get feedback right after the phone interview (which was half July), but was told I would hear from them in a few weeks time, which happened exactly so. Heard 2 weeks or so ago that I could book myself into any 3 days of testing in Brisbane, which is next week!!!! So exciting!

[ask23]

@jetdownunder: congratulations, and nice to see that two people from Holland got this far. Let's go the distance! I got my test day in Brizzie second week of September. Getting more excited with every step in the process. A couple of questions: I fly in from Far North Queensland for the test day (the red eye flight, so that good night sleep before the test is gonna be a short one). I arrive only at Brisbane Domestic at 08:05am and the test day starts at 08:30..... Does anyone know how to get as fast as possible to the test location? How long it takes to get there from Domestic? Where the test location actually is (Airport Avenue is very long.....).

Two more questions: Is it true that courses are also starting to be ran in Brisbane and when do the next courses actually start?

[willadvise]

I arrive only at Brisbane Domestic at 08:05am and the test day starts at 08:30

Utter madness. ERSA quotes 10min delays for aircraft arriving at 0805. I am guessing you are on JQ929 ex Cairns. Actual landing time today :- 0822 yesterday :- 0814 (on a Sunday). You need to come down the night before and get a good sleep and not be rushed if you want to give this your best shot.

[ask23]

Thanks for your "professional" opinion. Forking out 300 bucks to attend a test day is already expensive enough (for me, at present). Add a hotel to it and it becomes unaffordable. And I have several other reasons why I'm forced to choose this option. So "utter madness" is not helpful, nor constructive. Without you knowing me or my circumstances, this qualification is offensive. You've left my questions unanswered. So maybe you could consider changing your screen name?

Is there anybody else around here who has some answers for me please?

[Rolloffthetop]

Ask23: Don't be too defensive there.... I've done the flight from CNS to BNE, and I have also done the testing. There would be no way that I would consider doing both on the same day.

Plenty of sacrifices to be made if you wish to progress through the college and field. I believe that if you can't fork out for a cheap hotel and another half day off to be prepared then maybe it is not the best time.

Perhaps not "utter madness", but don't you want to give yourself every opportunity?

[DirtyPierre]

What's the story with Bris Instructors? Are they full time like the Melbourne set up or are they GTS/NTS (or whatever they are now) or Controllers full time? Are they expected to remain current on their regular groups?

Hi Plaz,

The courses in Brissie are run by a combination of ATC Instructors based in Brissie and some of the Brissie simulator TGOs, who have instructor qualifications (and are often ex-ATCs as well) do a lot of the classroom. All sim is conducted by ATC instructors. The ATC instructors are full time and not part of the groups.

Currently two courses are being run in Brissie at the moment. They are some of the first from the new and improved recruitment regime, of which I am one of the assessors. Having been part of the old recruitment system, the new system is a qantum leap better. So far the reports from the ATC instructors are that we are indeed getting better trainees, or more accurately, the trainees we pick are of the required ATC standard.

Well Plaz, hope all is going well for you in North America. If you want to come back, I can find you a spot back in Brissie no probs (actually anywhere in Oz, name your station). The surf and weather have been great, and the its Ekka Wednesday, and I have the day off. :cool:

[Plazbot]

Thanks Pete, I never went to Canadia but took the UAE ACC gig a couple of years ago. I just landed back in D-Town from Brisbane this morning after twenty of my sixty days days leave. Hearing what I hear, seeing what I see and reading what I read not just about AsA but the country in general, I might just stay put. I kept associate membership of Civil Air so read the forums there from time to time. Some pretty disappointing stuff that I wont bore the readers with on both sides of the fence. Applicants will be best served to just believe what they want and find out for themseles. :D

:ok:

[DirtyPierre]

Plaz,

So you went to Aisle 5! Mate, if you want to come back, you could tell those above me where you'd like to go. We are short everywhere.

Drop me an email from time to time mate. It would be good to catch up.

DP

[hiltonbaby]

While I am not an assessor or involved in any way with the recruitment process I have been in for a decade or two and I at least I have learn't to know how to take advice. If you carry your attitude with you to the learning academy and then, should you make it through into the field I would suggest that your chances are slim. An explosive approach to advice will be contrary to the help you will desperately need. Suggesting advice is offensive has got an enormous tag of ' I do not belong here'. I'd save my 300 bucks and go see centrelink. Your circumstances have been seen a thousand times before and while applicants aren't as thick on the ground as people think there are still plenty of choices.

[le Pingouin]

ask23, read what willadvise said again & think very hard.

Fly down on the day & there's a very good chance you'll arrive late for the test, even if the flight arrives on time. Rushing around like a blue @rsed fly (& you certainly will be) isn't good preparation for anything let alone a full on day of testing.

The choice is yours but seriously, you're not doing yourself any favours.

[Fatty182]

ask23, while "utter madness" might be a bit harsh, willadvise is pretty much bang on otherwise. 8.05 will be the time the plane touches down (if you're lucky), not when you get off the plane. By the time you taxi to the gate, file off the plane, run through the terminal to the cab rank, you'll be lucky if it's earlier than 8.25. I'm in Melbourne on the course at the moment and I fly home a bit, and I tell my wife to show up 20 minutes after the arrival time, as that's usually when I'm standing out the front ready, and that's at 10, 11 at night even.

Having said that, if you persist with that particular flight, it'd be lucky to be a 5-10 minute cab ride. It's not far, just by the time they weave their way through all the morning traffic at the airport, and get to ASA, you're gonna be late no matter which way you slice it :(

As you said, we don't know your circumstances, but we do know the testing. I would in the strongest way suggest getting there the day before if you can to give it your best shot.

[ask23]

Thanks for all the advice guys. My initial response was a bit harsh I presume. My apologies to willadvice. I rescheduled my flight and am looking for a cheapish place to stay near the airport in Brizzie. Suggestions are most welcome!

[Plazbot]

Formula 1 Motel is just outside the Airport area and is $89/night the sign I saw said. You could opt to stay further away and catch the Train to avoid an expensive taxi fare. The train is (was?) not all that cheap but is not robbery like Brisbane cabs. There is a train station at the domestic terminal and you can(could?) easily walk to the centre if that is where the interviews are.

[Spider27]

Applied for:
Job ID: 492434 – People & Change - Air Traffic Controller in Training 2011 - Nationally

Early July: submitted my job application, including resume.
Early August: Completed online SHL tests.
Was really happy with how I went, except for the numerical reasoning test.
Currently Mid August: Waiting for a Email regarding Phone interview.
Does anyone know if we didn't get through to the phone interview, will we still receive an email informing us of this?
Thanks and good luck all


Update: Received an email, Success! Woot
Notified to keep an eye on my email for an invitation to select a time and date for the phone interview.

The email suggests that the phone interview times are dependent on location.
"We arrange telephone interviews based on your location and when we are holding assessment centres in that location next."

Thanks, and hope everyone in my postion also had a happy outcome.
Cheers :)

[ask23]

Tnx Plaz, booked the Formula 1, much appreciated. Anyone else here who
is gonna stay there for the test in the second week of September? we might be able to catch up the day before the test.....:)

[mikethepomme]

People & Change = HR

Terminal to ASA is about 500-1000m depending on what terminal u come out from. You'd be able to walk it pretty easily in 5 minutes. Head towards the tower.

[sjonly1]

Hi all,

So glad that I found this forum :-)
I recently applied for the ATC program.. (hopefully in Melbourne)

Early July: Application in
Early August: Email invitation for online assessment
Early August: Online assessment completed
Mid August: Email received advising of successful online assessment

So now I am waiting on the next email regarding phone interview times.
I believe the whole process up to this point has been quick compare to others in this forum.

Still very excited about passing the online assessment stage and very eager to progress! :)

Anyway, best of luck to all of us!

[jetdownunder]

Hi Ask,

Good run in you had there with your Dutch background (being very direct, upfront, defensive etc. Often perceived as rude, too strong and outspoken in Australia). I know, I've been there many times. But good on you for taking the advice so swiftly. I know you absolutely meant well and didn't mean to be so defensive...I still get caught by the differences in communication etc from time to time and have learned so much in that regard, especially professionally.

Absolutely much better idea to come the day before. For myself, I want to have done everything I can to peak perform today.
Yes, it's today!!!! I'm very excited and slightly nervous.
Keep sending the good vibes!!
I'll let you all know how I went.

[jetdownunder]

Test day over.
Tired
I gave it everything, cldnt have done different
Just very hard to know how I did.
Results in appr 4 weeks.
Ohhh, I want this so badly!
Will keep you posted.

[ELone]

Woo hoo just got an offer for the tower course starting 21st November. So excited, now just have to get medical done.
For anyone who wants to know I attended the assessment centre in Melbourne on July 19 so offer came just over a month after. Hope others attending the same week as me have had some good news as well. Good luck to all. :D

[ergaster2]

ELone:
Congratulations on getting into the tower course. Did you specifically apply for Tower, as opposed to Enroute, or did you go through the same process as everybody else and then get asked to do Tower?

Let us know what the process is for Medical, I heard it can take up to three months (can't see why, no matter how many tests one has to get done - perhaps it's for the CASA paperwork?) I do have a couple of medical concerns that from what I read on the CASA site shouldn't disqualify me but I'm still a bit nervous about them, so I'm wondering if it's worth trying to begin the process now to save time if (when!) I get the offer (I wouldn't want to quit my current job until my ATC offer was definite).

jetdownunder: yeah, i feel the same way. I think I could have done better on one of the tests, but hopefully we all did well enough to get in :-)

[ELone]

ergaster2: Same application process for both enroute and tower, I was simply asked when I got the offer which course I wanted to be placed on.

I think most of the time involved in the medical is CASA taking their time with paperwork. You will also be required to undergo a drug and alcohol screening for Airservices Australia. I also had a minor concern about the medical, but I rang CASA and spoke to one of the doctors who approves the medicals and was assured it would not be an issue. I would not try to start the medical process yet as Airservices Aus. will give you someone to help you organise it all, just their procedure I guess.

Also try not to worry too much about how you did on the tests, I felt exactly like that, that there were some things I could have done better. They are not looking for perfection, just testing whether you have the right aptitudes for the job.
Good luck and I hope you have some good news soon.:ok:

[Fatty182]

Egraster2: if it's not too personal, what concerns do you have? I had concerns regarding my hearing for example, but for my own peace of mind, I went and had a test done myself to prove I was fine (to myself at least :p)

I didn't have any problem with my medical other than CASA sending me a letter saying they weren't going to process it without payment (which ASA is supposed to pay) so I just paid it and got reimbursed when I started. But yeah, if there is a delay, it does seem to be with CASA.

[ergaster2]

Fatty: Thanks for your answer. I have a congenital kidney condition. I don't see why that should be a problem for ASA as it certainly doesn't mean I'll die suddenly (or young). What I read (briefly, a while back) on the CASA website seemed to say that it shouldn't disqualify me but I'd need to go for further tests (because it can sometimes be associated with other problems).

I also had slight concerns about my hearing, but if you're saying it's not that difficult I should be fine. It's not normally a problem for me, unless they try to run the Control out of a crowded pub.

Was the test expensive? Seems like it couldn't hurt to try to get it.

So to clarify, basically you knew for certain that you were in at the end of your visit to the DAME (doctor), as you'd already have had an emailed offer, and a verbal OK from the DAME (but just not the paperwork)?

[Fatty182]

Ah ok, yeah a kidney thing is a bit more serious than mine, but if you've had a look through the CASA stuff, you should be ok. It's been a while since I had a look at that stuff, and when I did, I was scanning it with an eye out for things affecting me :P

With regards to the hearing, they listed specific levels of hearing loss that were the cutoffs, and I was close on some (having had hearing problems since I was a child) so I had a hearing test which showed I would pass the CASA requirements. I actually did that before I applied even since I didn't want to get disappointed if I was ineligible from the start! That only cost me $60 at an audiologist, but unless you know you have a diagnosed hearing problem already, you'd probably pass easy, the limits aren't too restrictive. I don't know where you live, but there is a place we had in QLD called Bay Audio that had a basic hearing test you could do for free which would tell you if you needed a further test. If you passed something like that, you'd definitely be fine.

By the time they ask you to go for a medical, they've offered you a job (well for me it was at least). Then they organise your visits to the DAME and an ophthalmologist, and the drug test. Given they pay for all that, I guess they don't want to bother on people they don't want :P

[mclovin2]

@ergaster2: I do live in Melbourne so I'd be hoping to get to that day in October. I'm in no worry at all as i'm giving it my best and will continue to persevere. Hopefully I will hear something in the near future.

[stevep64]

Going by some of the older comments in this thread, they must have really streamlined their recruiting. I had my phone interview around 3pm yesterday and got an email this morning to say I'm through to the next round. My assessment is on the 21st. Looking forward to seeing some of you there. It would be nice if they do run a course in Brisbane, since it's only about a 15 minute drive for me.

[mrfancypants]

Hey Stevep, no offence, but are you 46 like your profile thingy says?

[Fatty182]

Yeah, sounds like they might have sped things up a little bit. I wouldn't count on getting a spot in Brisbane :P When I was starting, they were putting together the first Brisbane course, and after hearing about it, I let them know I was obviously keen to stay in Brisbane, only to be told the course was already full. I asked how they selected people for it, and the answer was "At random". :ugh: And apparently, the second Brisbane course has mostly Melbourne people on it, despite still sending Brisbane people to Melbourne! :confused:

[stevep64]

Mrfancypants, none taken, and yes I'm 46. Hopefully that won't go against me, although I've got this far with them knowing my age, so it shouldn't be a problem.

I'm not holding my breath as far as training in Brisbane is concerned, or even a posting here for that matter. It would be nice though, since I applied not knowing there was even a possibility of courses up here.

[Fatty182]

Posting is a different matter (assuming you're going for enroute). I was told before I started I would be going back to Brisbane, so that's good at least :) As for age, it doesn't seem to matter, someone who started on the most recent course is in their mid 40s :)

[ergaster2]

stevep64: Congrats on getting this far, I hope you make it. I was worried I might be the oldest person on the course. It's good they give us the opportunity to try - in the UK I think you have to be under 30?

[stevep64]

I wouldn't worry too much about being the oldest there Ergaster2, I'm used to hanging out with 20 somethings at uni residentials, and I'm not always the oldest there either. There are advantages to being the old fart too.

[le Pingouin]

You won't be discriminated against but being older does make it harder - you'll have to work harder to make stuff stick than if you were 21. I think most of us will say we aren't as sharp as we were 25 years ago but that doesn't say you can't meet the standard.

[ergaster2]

stevep64: is that at UNE by any chance?
lePengouin: if by "most of us" you mean most of people on here, I think most of us (not me) are under 30, so I'd hope they wouldn't agree that they're not as sharp as 25 years ago :-)

[Baileys]

Airservices has a history of ALLEGED discrimination... Do a pprune search for 'airservices discrimination' and you'll find the old thread about it. Also seen in the TV news and papers. More related to alleged sex discrimination rather than age though.

[YAASB]

A couple of things.

Age is irrelevant, if you are good enough to get through the assessment day, you will be offered a course. Simple as that. The assessors are not given any personal details about anyone, until after the end of the day, and only if we ask for it. The whole idea of these assessment centres is exactly that to assess, not to judge.

I wont even enter into the discrimination case; well below the line.

Remember, the Learning Academy is in Melbourne. That is where training is conducted. There have been two courses run in Brisbane recently, as a trial. They have both been successful so far, but there is simply not enough real estate in Brisbane Centre to run any more courses. The current courses will have to finish which is not til next year before any more are run there, and even then there is no guarantee. So, if you want a course, prepare for a trip to Melbourne. A Brisbane course is a long shot.
Having said that, who doesn't love a winters day in Melbourne? Especially in December!;)

Cheers
Boonie.

P.S. Look forward to meeting all the candidates in Brisbane this week.
Good Luck!

[Nathan1986]

I attended the assessment day on Tuesday the 23 August. (2 weeks ago) Im nervously waiting for a response from the Airservices recruitment team. Anybody in a similar position? Im not sure that my referee'shave been contacted and was told that they could be contacted anywhere from a week after the course onwards. Im really looking forward to hear if i have been offered a position! That way at least one way or another I can start to make some arrangements!

Nathan1986

[ergaster2]

Nathan1986:

I'm in the same position as you (not assessed on the same day, but in the same week).

I don't think my referees have been contacted either. I wanted to change my referees, as I originally put down the boss from my previous job whom I haven't seen for about four years, so I emailed them to change it (as we were told to do) but never got a confirmation reply.

Anyway, I got the impression that our referees will only be contacted either for a fairly simple verification that we didn't completely make up all the stuff in our resume (e.g. "does Nathan really work for you as a lion tamer?") *or* if there was something in the assessment day which caused them concern but they were otherwise interested in taking us (e.g. "can you tell me about how Nathan is at working together in a team?"). So I guess not having our referees contacted yet can be either good or bad news.

Or no news. I would imagine that they would have waited until they interviewed everyone last week, analysed us late last week, and be ringing our referees this week with a view to giving us an offer late next week.

I think even if we got an offer we couldn't start till next year anyway (which would be great by me). So I guess it's just wait and see, just like the last six months.

Good luck with it.

[5miles]

There have been two courses run in Brisbane recently, as a trial. They have both been successful so far,

Boonie, curious as to why you have deemed these courses successful already?
Aren't they still a work in progress or have the trainees off these courses already been released to the field?

[YAASB]

5miles,
Empahasis on "so far"
We get a report on the progress of the trainees regularly, and all that have been selected in this process are all doing very well.
There is still a way to go, with the first groups starting in the field early next year.
I was not only commenting on the progress of the trainees, but also the way they have been accommodated and assimilated into the centre.

But, so far, the signs are very encouraging!!

Cheers
Boonie.

[triathlon]

Hi All,
This is for anyone in the know.
Airservices advertised for ATC DELIVERY
SPECIALISTS a couple of weeks ago for positions in Brisbane and Melbourne
My question is: Is Airservices looking to
ramp up courses run out of Brisbane?

[Spider27]

I received a email conformation that my online assessment was successful on the 17th August,


The next stage of the recruitment process will be a telephone interview. You will be invited to select a time and date for this in the near future via email and so please do wait to be contacted by us. Please check your emails on a regular basis for our communications.

We arrange telephone interviews based on your location and when we are holding assessment centres in that location next.


Im still waiting for an email regarding phone interview times. How long should I wait (Im located at Melbourne)?

Has any one received a follow up email? and if you have please let me know where your located

Thanks,

[stevep64]

Spider,
I got my confirmation email the same day as you, then got the email to book my phone interview on the 25th. Have you tried logging on to your application and see if there's anything there?

I'm in Brisbane.

[ELone]

Anyone else starting the course on November 21st in Melbourne? I'm on the tower course but it would be awesome to meet up with anyone starting either tower or en route course before then. I can't wait to start, if anyone in Melbourne is on the same course let me know!

[hiltonbaby]

:=Hey Yaasb,

If only it was the good old days of Sectors in SY. Remember the general ratings and the fact that nobody wanted to train us.

Caio

Don't go rolling any more Corollas.

[jetdownunder]

I didn't make it into a training position. Pretty shattered....:-(
Can't believe it really. Still needs to sink in..

Henriette

For everyone who is from the Brisbane test days end of August: congrats!

[triathlon]

Know the feeling

[television]

Deleted

[sjonly1]

SPIDER27,

I'm in Melbourne.

I received the same email on the 17 Aug as well.
Then received another email on 9 Sep asking me to book for a phone interview online.

My phone interview was on 12 Sep. Then this morning I got an email inviting me to the assessment centre in Brisbane next week...

Why don't you log-in to the application and check?

[ergaster2]

jetdownunder: yeah, me either. Didn't even ring my referees. I'm pretty sad too.
I think I stuffed up on the IQ test (the computerised one with the weird symbols) by being too careful, I bet I got them all correct, but I only got about 2/3 of the way through, and of course that one with the big plane and questions about where it is in relation to the little plane (don't want to give away too much for those who haven't done it).
Condolences. You seemed to want it even more than me.
At least you like your existing career.
Hmm, I wonder what other career I'd be good at...

[jetdownunder]

@ergaster2: are you also asking for feedback? I want to know what it is that makes them think I am not a good fit for the role. You always learn from that kind of information.

I know 100% sure that I would have successfully gone through the training and the job. There is not a single cell in my body not convinced about that. My environment (including ATC friends) keep telling me that I am perfect for this job, and so motivated, but hey...that doesn't count! :( Because.....there is always this assessment! It's a moment, a carefully designed test, a snap shot of your skills and work style, and.....the way it is set up there is also the human factor of the assessors. I seem to be a bad performer in assessments. I have done a few and at least twice I am hired for a very good role, despite the assessment results not being ideal, or at least ambiguous. Haha, I must be a complicated person! Luckily, in further interviews and real time conversations I always seem to get through. A simulated environment, or test setting, just isn't the real deal and I seem to have little imagination to be able to "forget" that.

I believe I either failed on the reaction test (plane position, how frustrating being a very visual person), or it's a decision based on human factors (as in the opinion/judgement of the assessors). I'll find out in a few weeks.

I feel we were unlucky in that we were challenged by the technology on that day (22 August). Also, I find it a little disappointing that I didn't have the interview with the person that was on my schedule. It felt a bit rushed and not so well prepared (my interview).

Whatever way, I have to acknowledge the outcome, no matter how hard it is to see a life long dream shattered. You know what? Life must have better plans ready for me. How exciting!!

Fortunately I started on a very good contract role recently. Hopefully it will be so exciting that I will forget about the dissappointment soon.

I wish all the future applicants all the best with their assessment day, once through to that stage. Just be yourself, and prepare yourself in such a way that you can peak perform (i.e. sleep, be on time, prepare your route, etc...).

Whatever is....is.

Ciao, Henriette

[MAT00]

Hey guys just thought that I'd post that I was another one that didn't get through from the July assessment day. I agree with you jetdownunder, I believe that I could have pushed through the training no matter how hard because of my motivation. I do and always have had a real interest in aviation and, i know what I think doesn't count for much, but I really think that a persons motivation for getting the job should be a factor (even if a very small one) in the selection process. According to the assessments, I failed on the "following instruction, policies and procedures" criteria, which is ironic as my last two jobs have heavily involved following, implementing and training people policies and procedures. But unfortunately we cant do anything about it. I guess Ill save up and continue my pilot studies. One thing I do know for sure is that no matter what I'm doing, I will be applying in another 12 months. Just hopefully then I wont get rejected for "being pre-briefed and too prepared" for the assessment day haha. Well done to those who have been selected and I wish you all the best in your studies!!!

[jetdownunder]

Hey Mat00. Thanks for your reply. It's always supportive to hear that you are not going through things on your own....
Yes, ironic that it was the "not following procedures and processes" bit for you! Who knows, maybe it is the same for me! That would really surprise me if it was because I am very aware of the necessity that following the procedure and applying what you have been trained in is THE attribute probably most valuable in the job. And I have always stressed that in any conversation. I have the feedback only end of the month. I wished it was immediately, or at least not weeks after the result. Wonder if I still want to know then ;)
I am not sure I will apply again; it all depends on what the reasons are I didn't succeed. And also depends on the situation I will be in at the time. Who knows what life is like in a years time? Also, I have already had 2 previous assessment days (one Air Services Australia old style, the other 20 years ago in Amsterdam). On the other hand, my desire to be an ATC is still there, even after 20 years!!! I can't see a plane fly over without feeling the passion....

Anyway, thanks for your reply and good luck with dealing with the dissappointment.

[MAT00]

Indeed Jetdownunder, its nice to know your not alone. I'm sure it will be helpful to know what criteria you didn't pass, as hard as it is hearing the feedback, if you treat it as constructive criticism then it will no doubt benefit you in the long run.

I was previously in the mindset that "if I don't get the job then it just means that I'm not right for the position" but since hearing the feedback I have decided that I still want to pursue the career, as I only missed out by such a small margin, which could have been due to a number of factors on that particular day.

If your keen on getting this career then keep striving for it. Maybe even start flying (if you haven't already got your PPL) because, if not anything else, you may find that you get your aviation fix through that. I'm currently doing mine and am loving every second of it.

[Fatty182]

Most people I have asked only had one referee contacted, and yes, I'd say having your referee contacted is a good sign :)

[ask23]

Sorry to hear you guys who didn't make it. I'm waiting for the outcome of the test day (7th of September). I hope it's a positive indication that at least one of my referees got called.... I suppose this would not happen with negative testday results..... Does ASA generally (or always) contact both referees? Do we have anybody here who got through from the test days end August /early September ???

[stevep64]

Having done my assessment today, there's one piece of advice I'd offer to those being assessed in Brisbane that hasn't been mentioned here. Get in the left hand lane on Airport drive, where the signs say domestic terminal (don't follow the signs to the terminal), other wise you'll end up on Lomandra drive trying to get through the traffic at the terminal and have to back track and hang a u-turn to get to where you're going. Good luck to the guys I met today and all the other applicants.

[dncn1]

Hi,

I applied for ATC in training at the end of July
I completed the online testing on Thursday.

And I received a phone call today requesting a phone interview time for tomorrow morning.

The woman on the phone also said she would be asking me questions to do with ATC work scenarios...

Does anyone have any information regarding what is asked during this phone interview?

It kind of sounds like a formality because she was asking me if I was available at a certain date for the assessment day.....

Or is it more than this?

[Fatty182]

Hey dncn1, congrats on getting this far :) It doesn't sound like the phone interview I had about a year ago now, but it might have changed. But I wouldn't try and find out too much about what they're going to ask you, since it has been mentioned on here that people haven't made it through because they had obviously been coached, so just be yourself and give it your best shot :)

[stevep64]

Interesting, I didn't get a phone call to book my phone interview, I did it online. I'm pretty sure I didn't get any ATC scenario questions in the phone interview either. Their recruitment seems to be evolving before our eyes, either that or one of your friends is winding you up:=.

Fatty182 is right, just be yourself. You're either right for ATC or not. There's no point getting into the job because you've faked it and then not making it through the training.

Just out of interest dncn1, what stream did you apply for, en-route or tower?

[dncn1]

hrm....

Well if I remember correctly I didn't exactly have the option to select one during the online application. There was a box you could tick asking whether you would like to be considered for a tower position if one is available....

Which I did indicate yes...

But my understanding was En-route was still a possibility...

[Fatty182]

They seem to put people wherever it suits them :P Someone who had previous tower controlling experience was put into enroute.... until a tower spot came up and he was able to swap. But yeah, plenty of people asked for one and got the other, so you never know!

[vinbjn]

Hi sjonly1, can u pls advise me on the telephonic interview questions as I have absolutely no idea what they are going to ask in 15 mins. Pls help :)

[max1]

Good luck to all

[stevep64]

Has anyone that had their assessment in Brisbane 19th-21st September heard anything yet? Referees contacted? I know they said about 4 weeks, but the referees get called before that.

Not that I'm getting impatient or anything :O

[WichWayIsUp]

Good morning all,

I am just also trying to find out wether anybody's referees has been contacted, that did the assessment on the 7th of September. It has been 4 weeks now and I havent heard a thing, which has got me worried to say the least.

Thanks in advance

[ask23]

Starting on a Tower course in February 2012. Did the test on the 7th of September (so expect to hear something very soon WichWayIsUP!!!)

OVER THE MOON!

[wongy]

Was it via email or phone?

[WichWayIsUp]

Hey ask23,
were you the guy from holland that attended the assessment day on the 7th of September. If so congratulations.

I actually gave airservices australia an email on Thursday to chase up what was going on with my application. I received a phone call yesterday saying that I got in. I had a choice between Tower or Enroute. I chose to go Enroute, because they actually have a course starting in Brisbane in April 2012.
I am super excited. Do you know of anyone else who made it through that went on the same day as we did.

Cheers

[ask23]

Yes, I'm that Dutch guy.
I called them to ask about the progress. And I choose to do the next available Tower course, starting on the 27th of February in Melbourne. I could have started earlier, on a en-route course in Melbourne on the 31st of January but I think Tower is more my thing.

I am super excited too and of course: Congratulations to you!

I haven't heard from the other candidates on that day.

Cheers

When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. ~Leonardo Da Vinci

[mrfancypants]

[QUOTE=WichWayIsUp;6739007]Hey ask23,


I had a choice between Tower or Enroute. I chose to go Enroute, because they actually have a course starting in Brisbane in April 2012.

:ugh:

You chose Enroute??? That should be part of the psych testing. And you my friend, have failed.
p.s Good luck with the course.

[jetdownunder]

Congrats to all and to Ask123: gefeliciteerd! Houd de Nederlandse eer hoog!

I received feedback and that was very disappointing to say the least. She started with explaining that the outcome was not based on one test, but on the whole collection.

Then.....why is it that I am not through???? I passed all tests with flying colors except Simulation. That's really the only one! More disappointing when it felt that that was actually one that went well (in my eyes). I was very relaxed because they told me to mostly have some fun! - which I did. Now I understand I should have taken this one more competitively, mostly timewise. I haven't 'parrotted' the instructions enough and was not fast enough in my decision making and not followed procedures enough. I am quite devastated to hear this - I write & train procedures and am a communication specialist. They clearly, to me, have failed in conveying the intent of the exercise at the start. I still remember so well how easy I thought this exercise was and how I waited for the sign to move on (it was slow). Now I'm left with: I should have parrotted and speak out loud everything thought...not be efficient and have fun.

But the biggie: I WAS unsuccessful on just the one. How s*t and unexpected.

I'm left with info I can't do anything with. I was hoping to really learn fr the feedback and be able to do something with it one way or the other. I didn't. And it really sucks to be stopped in my path on something I perceived as the easy bit....so surprised.

I really think they have made a mistake...but so be it. She asked if I was interested in other positions. I'm not. There is only one thing I want..

[television]

Deleted

[Offtodabigsmoke]

ASK23.....Looks like I will be joining you in Melb in February for the Tower Course. I was also offered EnRoute or Tower and ended up going with Tower.

Mr Fancy Pants.

You chose Enroute??? That should be part of the psych testing. And you my friend, have failed.
p.s Good luck with the course

Are you a Tower controller yourself? Just wondering why you prefer Tower to Enroute. I'm new to the game so knowledge is quite limited.:)

[jetdownunder]

@Television. Good luck with your course. You have misinterpreted my post. (which might be my responsibility). My disappointment lies very much in the fact that they ensure you it's an overall assessment on multiple points, but have made a conclusion on only one. I did not 'fail' (who knows where I missed or received points?), and to me it seems I was unclear of the test procedure of that part - since it was in my experience the easiest part, which i thought i did very well. And the feedback was so surprising because neither me or someone else would recognise my skills and abilities in it. So, I clearly must have missed something there (either as a result of their explanation, or my interpretation).

So, be warned, it is possible to not get through based on one exercise. That's all. For me that is big - as in big disappointment. I would have rather failed miserably big time! I did not.

Btw, I don't find your remark particularly nice. I hope you communicate nicer towards your future colleagues, or anyone for that matter

[stevep64]

Offtodabigsmoke, when was your assessment?

[EnglishCurryClub]

Hey peoples, did the online test the other week and had my telephone interview today, which I was told at the time I passed. They have said that the next stage of testing is happening in October, November or December, I told them that I had a preference for October.
What happens from there?

Also, another couple of questions, how long is the Academy Training and Field Training?

[Offtodabigsmoke]

Stevep64,

Tuesday 23rd August in Brisbane.

[pop4]

Hey peoples, did the online test the other week and had my telephone interview today, which I was told at the time I passed. They have said that the next stage of testing is happening in October, November or December, I told them that I had a preference for October.
What happens from there?The next stage of testing should be the Assessment Centre. If you're successful at that, then you'll get an offer, and then things go from there.

Also, another couple of questions, how long is the Academy Training and Field Training?Training at the Academy should be about 12-14 months, and field training should be about 4-6 months. This is for the enroute guys; the tower guys finish slightly faster.

[EnglishCurryClub]

Thanks for the info. Muchly appreciated.

[TroyMcClure]

Then.....why is it that I am not through???? I passed all tests with flying colors except Simulation. That's really the only one! More disappointing when it felt that that was actually one that went well (in my eyes). I was very relaxed because they told me to mostly have some fun! - which I did. Now I understand I should have taken this one more competitively, mostly timewise. I haven't 'parrotted' the instructions enough and was not fast enough in my decision making and not followed procedures enough. I am quite devastated to hear this - I write & train procedures and am a communication specialist. They clearly, to me, have failed in conveying the intent of the exercise at the start. I still remember so well how easy I thought this exercise was and how I waited for the sign to move on (it was slow). Now I'm left with: I should have parrotted and speak out loud everything thought...not be efficient and have fun.

But the biggie: I WAS unsuccessful on just the one. How s*t and unexpected.

Haven't visited here for a while, but had to reply to this as this was virtually exactly the same as my feedback. The simulation was where fell down. No real indication of time restraints. I seemed to think it was fairly easy. Followed procedure. Seemed too easy. Surprised that's the area i fell down. Told i went really well in interview and group work and computer work was good as well.
Feedback left me more confused.

More disappointed i had to go to bloody Sydney for the test, when they booked one a month later in my home town of Melbourne!! Cost me a few hundred dollars.

I was willing to drop pay to do this but that's the way it goes.

[jetdownunder]

@Troy

Thanks. It helps a little knowing someone knows what I mean. I am a very positive woman and I know life must have better plans for me (which are already evolving), but every plane that flies over my house is still stinging a bit...

I don't think there is anything in my life that I was so determined to get (except residency maybe). And despite all the odds against me my motivation, will power and skills have always gotten me through. I find that the toughest to deal with. But, as said, I will approach life with renewed energy because this must be good for something.

And I'm sure...so it is for you.
Maybe we would have gotten bored after years behind the radar, who knows, haha :-)

Good luck to you with whatever it is!

[WhisprSYD]

"ASK23.....Looks like I will be joining you in Melb in February for the Tower Course. I was also offered EnRoute or Tower and ended up going with Tower.

Mr Fancy Pants.

You chose Enroute??? That should be part of the psych testing. And you my friend, have failed.
p.s Good luck with the course

Are you a Tower controller yourself? Just wondering why you prefer Tower to Enroute. I'm new to the game so knowledge is quite limited"

re this:

It seems that most people who are given the choice choose Tower without thinking. A few in my course did the same, and some were offered spots in previous Enroute courses and chose to hold off for 3 months until there was a Tower spot available. Alot of my course admit to the fact that they would of chosen Tower if given the chance, but now that they know more about both streams they would definitely pick Enroute.

When most people think of ATC they automatically think of Tower controllers, so I think that's why it's usually the first pick. Nothing wrong with that either. On the plus side the Tower course is 2-3 months shorter than the Enroute course (how hard is it to learn 1 separation standard :P), so you're in the field sooner, you get a nice view from your office, you get to play with binoculars etc. On the downside though is the chance that you can basically close your eyes and point at any spot on a map of Aus and that's where you could be relocating to. I also believe the Tower course has a much higher pass rate (not due to the quality of the students!) than the Enroute course...

As far as positives for Enroute is that you will be living in Brisbane at the worst, and Melbourne at the best. From what I've seen a bit more variety in your workload, and a bigger team around you. Obvious downside is a longer, and more challenging course... but if you're up to it it's rewarding.

[stevep64]

P-D, look where he's from. He doesn't know any better :}

[pop4]

On the plus side the Tower course is 2-3 months shorter than the Enroute course (how hard is it to learn 1 separation standard :P), so you're in the field sooner, you get a nice view from your office, you get to play with binoculars etc. On the downside though is the chance that you can basically close your eyes and point at any spot on a map of Aus and that's where you could be relocating to.They don't have to do HMI either, and also quite a few other things, but yeah, any Tower people looking forward to being posted to Karratha or Broome? :P
Note: you won't actually know where you'll be posted until a few weeks out from finishing

[stevep64]

Isn't Broome a one man tower? So someone straight out of the academy isn't likely to be posted there.

[YAASB]

To all of those that have been offered a course, congratulations.

It is correct that if you commence an Enroute course, Melbourne or Brisbane will be your two choices.
For those who are completing a Tower course it could be anywhere Airservices has a Tower. That does include Broome and Karratha, as well as Rockhampton, Tamworth just to mention a few others. They are geographically diverse, and you don't get to pick and choose which one you go to. There are a lot of "single man" towers, but that does not preclude an ab-initio being stationed there. Also, capital city Towers are highly contested positions, so expect to do some time in outstations before having the opportunity of moving to the big smoke.
One thing to remember is that you can do a conversion between the two streams later in your career.

To all those that have been deemed unsuitable, my commiserations.

I have read your posts, and understand your frustration. The fact that you think you did well does not necessarily mean you did well. It is not "just one" thing that lets you down. To this end we need to look at how your feedback is delivered, as sometimes the person who delivers the feedback was not there on the day, or has seen so many people it is difficult to remember. I know it will not help those already affected, but we will look into that for future candidates.

Cheers
Boonie.

[fujii]

For those of you who think there is only one separation standard you're in for a shock! Lateral, Vertical, Distance, Time, Wake, Radar, Runway and Visual separation are all used by tower controllers. You then have to be able to change rapidly between these as circumstances dictate. Whereas Enroute and TCU work in miles of distance and thousands of feet separation, tower distances vary down to 600 metres or in the case of a tight arrival and a departure the difference between a separation standard and a breakdown can be down to a few seconds. Don't approach a tower course thinking it's easy, it's not!
As for the comment on the lack of HMI, there's still plenty in a tower and a lot more coming with the new tower technology being rolled out.
P.S Broome is a two man/woman tower.

[stevep64]

Fujii, sorry if I offended you by suggesting that Broome is a one 'man' tower, I was just going by what one of the assessors told me (he called it a one man tower) and I didn't think anyone on PPRuNe really gave a monkeys about non-sexist language.

I really don't think the tower controllers have it any easier than the enroute controllers, regardless of the length of their courses. Anyone that's flown out of somewhere like Archerfield will agree. If I was offered a choice, I would pick tower, because I feel that would suit me better. I don't have an issue, nor does my wife, with being posted to Broome. Incidentally, the assessor that said it was a one 'man' tower also said there were excellent financial incentives for controllers to work there, as well a sizeable queue.

[Plazbot]

Lol. Lesson one. Never trust a word you are told about conditions or postings.

[dncn1]

Hi

Well I completed the assessment day about two weeks ago now; I haven't heard anything from Airservices. I'm pretty sure I shot myself in the foot anyhow; I tried to go to sleep earlier than normal the night before and unfortunately never really got into a deep sleep.

They told us to turn up at 8:30am.... This was part of the reason I tried to go to sleep earlier. I turned up at 8:32am and the rest of group was already waiting, there were only four chairs in the waiting room so two of us had to basically sit on the floor or stand up. We did absolutely nothing for 30mins; I mean they didn't even collect our documents during this time.... Which I thought was the reason for turning up at 8:30 in the first place...

I feel my results of the computer testing would have been quite bad, I mean you certainly had to be fully awake for the spatial test for example haha. The computer testing was also the last thing I did in my day I.E it was completed around 4pm. By then I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open, I had 2 cups of coffee right before hand and I still couldn't focus. It seems like no amount of coffee can save you on virtually no sleep :/

I found the Simulation test quite amusing; it certainly wasn't what I was expecting. But I knew the time you completed it in was important even though they said it wasn't. I mean why else would they be timing it?

The lady who was running the computer testing basically said at the end of the day to the group that if we didn't hear from them via a phone call by the following week we hadn't succeeded.

Which did seem quite fast by the sounds of things I’ve read on here...?

[stevep64]

Dncn1,
My thoughts on the simulation test were pretty much the same as yours, not at all what I expected.

I was told just before I left that I should hear something in four weeks. It's exactly four weeks today, so I'll be mugging the postie every day for the rest of the week. Going by what I've been reading on here and privately though, I'm expecting the worst. If they can let the successful applicants know within a week, why the hell can't they do the same for the rest of us. :mad:

Oh well, I've got an interview with BoM next week, so I could still end with a nice view of an airport somewhere, just not from as high up.

[Fatty182]

Letting successful applicants know in a week? Never happened yet, and I would be EXTREMELY surprised if it managed to start happening now...

[stevep64]

I agree fatty, but I know some successful applicants were hearing their referees had been contacted 7 days after the assessment day. That's a pretty good indication that you're in, that they've decided they want you.

I know a lot of employers hold off turning down the unsuccessful applicants, in case someone turns down an offer of employment and the next person in line can get an offer. It's not the same with this job, you're either suitable or you're not. If they know enough to be contacting referees after 7 days for the successful applicants, they know enough to put the unsuccessful ones out of their misery. It's not like they need to ring them up and say "sorry, you weren't good enough". I wouldn't wish that job on any recruiter, that's why the vast majority of employers will tell you via email or snail mail.

The only reason I can think of for them making the unsuccessful applicants wait, is that after 4 weeks of waiting they've pretty much resigned themselves to the fact they aren't in. If you get an email a week after your assessment, when you're still on a high thinking you did well, then you're gonna fall a lot further, when they tell you no.

Personally, I'd rather be told early, so I can concentrate on other things. A job with Airservices is not the holy grail, and it was never portrayed that way during the whole selection process.

[Guatemala]

I was at the same assessment day as dncn1 and I didn't hear anything about 1 week.
What I took away was that it would be about a 4 week wait to hear anything. If we were successful then we would be getting a phone call, and if we weren't, an email.

So I wouldn't be concerned about anything just yet.

[cbradio]

A job with Airservices is not the holy grail

Ain't that the truth! ;)

[ELone]

Hi all,

I am having an issue with getting my class 3 medical for air traffic controller training. (I am supposed to be starting the tower course on November 21st.) I have a minor mental illness which CASA are using as reason to not give me my medical. They have refused the medical based on assumptions about my illness rather than fact, I was given 30 days to send in more evidence as proof that I do meet the requirements of the medical. I sent in a number of reports from my doctor, psychologist, medibank health solutions and my gliding club all addressing the requirements and my ability to meet them without issue.
When I sent these documents into CASA they were supposedly reviewed but my medical was still denied based on the same assumptions they had made the first time around. There was no reference to the evidence I had sent in and it appears to have been completely ignored despite the fact that the documents I sent in clearly demonstrate that I meet the CASA medical requirements. :confused:
I intend to appeal the case as my evidence has clearly been ignored, I also intend to make a complaint through a discrimination board as my medical has been denied based on assumptions about the general opinion of what my condition involves rather than on individual evidence provided by medical professionals.

Main point, has anyone else been in this or a similar situation with CASA and have any useful advice on how to deal with it? Has anyone had more luck than me? I have heard of many people with medical conditions worse than mine being granted a medical and I'm starting to wonder whether being granted a medical depends purely on which doctor at CASA 'reviews' your paperwork and which side of the bed they woke up on that morning.

Any useful advice would be much appreciated and to anyone else applying for medicals, good luck and I hope your experience with CASA is more pleasant than mine has been so far! :ok:

[le Pingouin]

This is the relevant part of CASRs FWIW:

Mental fitness
3.4 Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of any of the
following conditions, to an extent that is safety-relevant:
(a) psychosis;
(b) significant personality disorder;
(c) significant mental abnormality or neurosis

How "safety-relevant" is judged I have no idea.

[ask23]

Before I moved to Australia 7 years ago, I did quite a bit of gliding in the Netherlands and Germany. I landed in Cairns and the closest club is 500 km away from where I live. So not much flying for me in the past years.

It looks like I'm on the tower course in Melbourne from February. So I'd like to get some more information about gliding around Melbourne. Many clubs, which one to pick? Bacchus March? Which one of the 3 clubs there? Or a bit further away? Do we have Airservices staff as members there? Any suggestions and advice is most welcome!

[ELone]

ask23,
I fly at the gliding club of Victoria, one of the larger clubs and about 2 hours from Melbourne. I also have a friend who flies at VMFG in Bacchus Marsh. Which club you want to fly at depends on your preferences, I fly at Benalla because it is a larger club and they do weekday flying during the summer season, most clubs only fly on weekends. Best advice I can give is to go to the Gliding Federation of Australia website (Gliding Clubs (http://www.gfa.org.au/imis15/GFA/New_To_Gliding/Gliding_Clubs/GFA/Clubs/Gliding_Clubs.aspx?hkey=6e3d9132-c0b9-4e9c-88b5-f853cc36edd9)) it lists all the clubs and has contact details. Bacchus Marsh clubs are definitely the closest to Melbourne but personally (obviously I'm biased) I'd recommend Benalla, there are far less airspace restrictions, it is a bigger club and there is weekday flying, it's about 2 hours out of Melbourne compared to about 1 hour for Bacchus Marsh. I think all the other clubs in Victoria are further out from Melbourne so one of these 2 locations would probably be your best bet.

[missy]

But I knew the time you completed it in was important even though they said it wasn't. I mean why else would they be timing it?

If candidate #1 takes two minutes, candidate #2 takes ten minutes and candidate #3 takes twenty minutes and they all perform the simulation to the same standard, then candidate #1 would be better placed, but the timing is just one indicator.

Teamwork is important, confidence is important, the way you present is important - its a job interview after all...

[EnglishCurryClub]

I have heard that they are testing in Melbourne all this week. Will let you know what I thought of the testing. Have heard that they test only 6 per day. Interesting to see how many get through.

[stevep64]

When you say you've "heard" they are testing in Melbourne this week and you've "heard" they test 6 per day, does that mean you're booked in for testing on a particular day. If not, then it's unlikely you'll be part of this week's assessments. If you are booked in, have fun, I quite enjoyed the whole experience.

[EnglishCurryClub]

Yes, I've got testing one day this week. Have also been told that there is testing about this time in November and December. Looking at there uptake for next year. Here's hoping it goes well.

[castrol]

Hi folks, I have been notified via email today that I'm to complete the online assessment by next Tuesday.

As I haven't participated in this type of process before I was hoping that one of you fine people may give me some understanding of what to expect and/or prepare for.

Thanks a heap...

[stevep64]

Castrol,
The document attached to the email you got describes it pretty well, probably better than I could. As far as preparation, maybe practice a bit of mental arithmetic, just simple stuff. Don't worry if you think you didn't do as well as you thought once you finish. You don't have to get every single one right. Some of the tests give you an opportunity to practice them first. If you've got till next Tuesday, then it's worth doing them over a few days and practicing them more than once. Get yourself into the zone, so to speak.

Keep in mind too, if you get through to the assessment day, you'll be doing some of the tests again. They like to make sure it was actually you that did the test and that you can do them under different circumstances.

Good luck.

[Offtodabigsmoke]

Hi all,

Was just wondering if there are any controllers who have completed the Tower course in the last couple of years and where they were posted to initially?

I'm happy to be posted anywhere as it will be a great experience but do you get to put preferences down as to where you might like to be posted?

When you do get posted to a tower, how do you go about putting in for transfers to other towers? Is it a selection process where positions are advertised and there are interviews or you just put your name down?

Which towers are the most sought after ones?

[sjonly1]

If you weren't successful after the assessment day, would you get a phone call or just an email to notify?

[stevep64]

sjonly1,
I believe it's just an email if you're unsuccessful.

I see from your previous post that you did your assessment the same week as me in Brisbane. I know one of the guys from the Tuesday has already received and email last week saying he'd missed out. Of the guys that were assessed on Wednesday, four of us haven't heard anything, but two of those four have had their referees contacted. I don't know if mine have been contacted. I got an email on Monday from Airservices to say I should hear something next week.

[sjonly1]

Thanks stevep64!

Yes I did my assessment in the same week as you in Brisbane.
I emailed Airservices last week and earlier this week to follow up, and finally received a very breif email yesterday saying that someone from Airservices will call me on Monday.. Don't know what to expect as I don't think any of my referees have been contacted. It could be either bad or good. I guess I'll have to wait til Monday to hear the verdict. Hope you hear the good news.

[stevep64]

I'm really hoping they only ring you if you're successful. I had a missed call on my mobile from Jenni at Airservices while I was at work this afternoon. By the time I rang back, she'd finished for the day. I'm not sure I'll sleep too well tonight.:\

[EnglishCurryClub]

Good luck, man you are going to be awake half the night, sleep really badly and fell like shiite tomorrow. Hope it turns out well. From what I can remember, phone call is good, email is bad. So this should be all good.

[stevep64]

Just got the news, I'm in :):)

It didn't really hit me until I rang my wife to tell her and I couldn't keep the tremor out of my voice. Good luck to the other applicants.

It looks like at least half of us on my assessment day have been successful too.

[Fly_by_wire]

I know someone who got the good news yesterday, their BN assessment centre day was late sept.

[EnglishCurryClub]

Congrats stevep64 (http://www.pprune.org/members/368498-stevep64). Way to go. Good lick with it all.

[Fatty182]

Congratulations mate, I know what you mean, was very exciting to tell my wife and family I was finally in :P

[Guatemala]

Got the phone call yesterday too, after exactly four weeks. Enroute course starting Jan 30. :)

Thrilled to be in and to finally have some certainty!

Good luck to everyone else applying, it requires a lot of patience. Seems to be moving faster than in the past though, about five months it took me.

[Esky]

Does anyone know if many or any of the Sydney applicants were sucessful.

[Guatemala]

I attended an assessment centre in Sydney, though I'm from Melbourne. I'm not sure how others have fared.

[stevep64]

I don't know about other assessments, but those that attended the same day as me got told yay or nay either the same day as each other, or the next.

[EnglishCurryClub]

Hey anybody, I've had a quick look through this forum and I can't find any recent updates. Does anybody have any idea about how long it is taking to contact referees. Had my interview on October 24th, they said I should hear in about 4-5 weeks, but I'm wondering how long after the interview process they contact referees.

[Guatemala]

One of my referees was contacted about two weeks after my assessment day. They only contacted the one.

[stevep64]

I take it you guys being offered the January course will be staying in Melbourne after training. I was offered a place on an earlier en-route course, but the posting would have been to Melbourne.

On the topic of referees, I got in touch with one of my referees the morning I got the offer and he said, "oh yeah, I meant to tell you..." :ugh: Apparently I wasn't the only one from my assessment day with that problem. So keep in touch with both your referees.

[EnglishCurryClub]

Yeah, I've kept in touch with all my referees. They have had any contact yet. Getting nervous, that's all.

[Chris N]

Hi everyone, I have been offered en route 62 in Melbourne. I am from Sydney and looking to go to Brisbane post course, so would be interested if anyone else if going to be doing the same course in a similar position who might be looking for somewhere cheap to live / share close to the airport. Kind regards and congratulations to all successful.

[ask23]

I GOT IT...... Class III medical. All done....
Planning for house move and road trip.
Melbourne: here we come!

[EnglishCurryClub]

So Ask23 how long did it all take from the time you received acceptance to obtaining your medical clearance?

Good luck with the move to Melbourne.

[ask23]

Did not take long at all, about 2 weeks after completion of all medical tests till the result via the phone today. But: I called them often, about every second day and that seemed to have helped.
I already had an ARN before acceptance and I don't know (anymore) how long it took to get one of those.

[EnglishCurryClub]

Confirmed that one of referees has been contacted, hope to hear this week or next.

[stevep64]

Good luck. Don't be surprised if it takes another couple of weeks, at least, before you hear anything though.

[stevep64]

For those that are about to do their psychometric testing, let's hope ASA don't see this ABC News, Chimps vs Humans - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cPiDHXtM0VA)

Those guys will work for peanuts :\

[EnglishCurryClub]

There is another lot being tested this week in Melbourne as far as I know. I was originally supposed to tested with this lot, but managed to get my way in to being tested last month. Another lot to be tested in December as well.

[etz]

Well after nearly 90 pages I'm curious to know...Who checked out? Who didn't?
Who still thinks its a great job with great pay and conditions? Who doesn't.
Who still thinks they work for a great company? Who doesn't?

It's a hard row to hoe and after nearly 30 years in Oz and Os I'm still not sure whether I'd a been better off paying more attention at school and doing something else.

[cwl103]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum, and have only just completed the online assessment last Saturday. From the look of things, its back to the waiting game again. Would like to ask a couple of questions, and appreciate any input from you all:

1) Should I get through this stage and got an invite to phone interview, what sort of questions are asked during the phone interview?

2) Any idea why there seems to be recruiting quite a number of ATC trainees, as well as experienced ATCs according to seek.com.au? I can only speculate, and would not like to think the actual job conditions that turn peeps away. Perhaps the training is so tough that the drop out rate is high? Anyone care to share their thoughts?

Cheers...

[le Pingouin]

cwl103, initial pay isn't terribly inviting if you've been working for a few years elsewhere & have the usual financial commitments.

Historically roughly 50% who start training gain a rating.

Our age profile is fairly top heavy so retirements over the next few years will put quite a dent in the numbers.

[Plazbot]

for etz

For some figures for course figures. Of the 36 on my course, 10 checked out. 3 of us are now in the Middle East, one is a sim support person, 1 has quit entirely, 1 left for the middle East but is now back in OZ, 1 is in NZ and the other three are still on the exact same groups they checked out on in the 90s.

Make of that what you will.

(edit. forgot one guy)

[unrestricted]

You can always get someone else to do it for you like some of them have !!!:eek:

[cwl103]

Got the email this morning, and made the booking for phone interview next week!:ok: Got a few days to get myself ready, so appreciate any tips and help i can get from you guys.

[EnglishCurryClub]

From what I can remember of my phone interview it was not much of an interview. I think it is more of "this person passed the online test, therefore we just want to speak to them and make sure that they come across well". Mine only lasted a between 5-10 minutes. Don't stress about it.

[stevep64]

Has anyone had a phone interview and not progressed onto the assessment stage? I don't recall anyone posting on here that had that happen.

[RogerRamjet11]

I agree with EnglishCurryClub, the phone interview is the easiest part of the application process. Mine also took only 5-10 minutes and were basci questions. In addition to confirming you're a living, breathing human being, i'd also imagine they are checking out your English language skills.

[EnglishCurryClub]

Over 6 weeks since I did my testing and I'm still waiting. They know how to keep you frustrated. I appreciate that they need to go through a process, but it doesn't make the frustration any easier.

Originally told that we would be notified 4 -5 weeks after testing and now I'm just going stir crazy.

[stevep64]

I was told 4 weeks and it took 6. If it's any consolation, they seem to let the unsuccessful candidates know the same day as the successful ones. So if you miss out, you won't be left hanging. I actually started to dread weekends when I was waiting, because I knew it was another 2 days when I wouldn't hear anything.

[EnglishCurryClub]

I have spoken to my referees, and all is good from the feedback that the referees gave AS and also what AS said to my referees. I just want to know. The answer isn't the problem, although I would prefer a yes to a no, but it is the time waiting that is the killer. :ugh:

[alex787]

Hey, was just reading through several pages and was just curious if anyone has chosen/been invited to the 23rd of January Assessment day in Melbourne?? Im from Sydney and will be making the trip down.. from what I gather too from reading, is that you either have what they want or you don't...

[Nano_]

Hi Alex, I've also been invited to attend the assessment day in Melb on the 23rd... although being in Melb will make my trip a bit easier :)
Hopefully it won't be that bad and we'll get an offer in no time!
See you there

[EnglishCurryClub]

Hi Alex, if you are coming down for an assessment day, you might be best coming down the day before. The assessment days are full on, you will leave exhausted. You certainly do not want to arrive tired, having had a stressful day getting out of Sydney.

The assessment days are good, my best advise is to be rested and on the day be prepared to think quickly and be definite in your responses. Most of all, have fun, take it seriously and enjoy.

[EnglishCurryClub]

I'm in, rang late this afternoon, I'm in.

Enroute 64 - starting February 27th, now just have to earn some cash between now and then.

[stevep64]

Congratulations. Are you sure it's 64 though, because enroute 63 starts in May?
See you down there.

[stevep64]

Hang on, I take that back Tower 63 starts in May, enroute might be different. I assume the posting at the end will be Melbourne.

Now you have all the fun of the medicals :ouch:

[EnglishCurryClub]

Yes definitely Enroute 64. already started the process for getting the ARN & medicals. As soon as I'd spoken to A.S. I figure with everything shutting down over the Christmas period, I'd better make a start as soon as possible.

[kimcheeisme]

Just wondering from anyone who has done testing what it's like. I have lived in America for a decade now so I'm not as familiar with things that may seem standard to everyone else. Is this going to be a disadvantage for me? I took some ATC classes in uni so I have some prep.

Really just need any advice or guidance I can get.

Thanks.

[EnglishCurryClub]

No, you should be right with the tests. Basically you need accuracy and speed for the tests and the ability to be confident with what you say.

One thing you should consider, if you feel that the testing day was relatively successful then apply for an ARN. If will just make the process quicker if you get the ok.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Aviation Reference Number (ARN) FAQs (http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_91494)

Just be prepared to be patient.

Sorry Kim, this applies to Australia, not sure of the process in the US.

[stevep64]

As long as you have the right to work in Australia, the selection process won't go against you. I'll resist the urge to say, living in the states might lower your IQ and go against you... oops :):):E

Seriously though. It's been said in this thread and the NATS and Eurocontrol threads, either you've got it or you haven't. ECC and I are both in our mid 40s and start training next year, ask23 is in his 50s and also starts training next year. In the US, and some other countries, we wouldn't get a look in. If you've got what it takes here, then you've got a chance.

Go for it.

[kimcheeisme]

Thanks for the advice ECC and Steve. I will choose to ignore the remarks about America only because I was born and Aussie and should be exempt from American ignorance.

The link helps for CASA so I will see what I can do. It's hard searching for these things from America.

I'm just doing what I can and understand that's how the process works. American ATC a bit rough at the moment because it's only open to very select people.

Will be heading out in April so wish me luck!

[kimcheeisme]

Thanks for the advice. Will look into the CASA link. It's been hard because I can't find too much info here for aviation related things in Australia.

I'm ready to do what I can when I head over in April. :ok:

[Knackers]

If you guys are really in your mid-40s and 50s the chances of you passing the course are close to nil. I'd think long and hard before giving up your jobs. I'm not aware of anyone that age ever passing before. I know of several ex-RAAF controllers in their 40s who came back to the job but weren't able to pick it up again. Aptitude is only one of many attributes that you need to consider. You will not be able to learn and pick up skill in Airservices time frame. It is a skill for young people to acquire, and most of them find it difficult.

[stevep64]

Knackers, I've just finished a science degree, so I'm used to studying. My current job is filling shelves in a supermarket, so it's not like I'm throwing away a well paid job for a career change. You may well be right, but there's three of us that are going to try damn hard to prove you wrong.

[ollie_a]

I'm definitely aware of at least one mid-40s person passing the ab initio course before, in 2006/7, and they're still here.

[1Charlie]

Wow mid 40s and 50s? Good luck to you guys! On my ab intio course there were two gents in their 40s, one of whom was already a flight information officer and neither of them made it in the end. Just a heads up, doing a university degree is nothing like what you may expect with ATC training. I'm not saying you have to be smarter, but it is the pace and volume you must learn at which may catch you out. There is very little time for consolidation (this comes once you're validated!), and they require very high grades in assessments. Like you say in most countries you wouldn't even get a shot, I'm sure you'll make the most of it. There are a lot of cranky people on sites like this and in the field, but don't let them put you off, it's a great career and they've just been doing it too long ;)

[EnglishCurryClub]

Thanks for that Knackers, I generally find the young, ignorant, self defeatist, self absorbed and lazy, but I imagine you wouldn't be one of these.

Everyone is due their opportunity, we must have had some value of else we wouldn't have gotten to this stage. You remind me of the story about the young bull and the old bull sighting a whole lot of cows in the lower paddock.

[mrfancypants]

I think the fact that Airservices are taking people well out of the 'ideal' age bracket says more about the company's present staffing position than anything else.
Aside from the fact they are less likely to get through training (and they are less likely), how much dollar value do you realistically get from someone with an initial rating mid 40's then already at 50 by the time they reach a reasonable level of ratings and experience.
They're arent exactly grabbing people from the young, uni-qualified, career minded pool they say they are looking for. Beggars cant be choosers I guess....

[stevep64]

"how much dollar value do you realistically get from someone with an initial rating mid 40's then already at 50 by the time they reach a reasonable level of ratings and experience"

That thought occurred to me too when I was applying. One of the guys at Brisbane Centre retired recently after about 40 years service. They won't get half of that out of me.

[le Pingouin]

ECC, while I wouldn't put it quite as bluntly as Knackers, the truth is that the older you are the harder it is to pass the course & gain a rating. Doesn't mean you can't or won't, just that you're really pushing it up hill.

[Victa Bravo]

Well I want to hear from those that did leave a well paying job (young or old) and chose to change their career ...

How did they cope with the training period and it's reduced income, and how long did it take them to return to a "livable" income? Are you better off for the switch?

Any career jumpers out there?

VB

[davys747]

Direct.no.speed,

Do you work in a Tower or Centre?

[stevep64]

Direct no speed, you've just described my last two jobs.

[Nano_]

The assessment days in Melbourne are fast approaching, anybody out there coming down for the test?

Does anybody know when the next training course is meat to start (after the one starting in Feb)?

N

[stevep64]

There's a course starting the end of May.

Keep in mind, it could be 6 weeks after the assessment by the time you get an offer. Then you have to get a class 3 medical before you start employment and that could take as long as 3 months, I've been waiting 5 weeks so far. I rang CASA just before Christmas and they were still working on the backlog from late November, my paperwork wasn't even in the system then.

So don't expect to be starting this half of 2012. I'm not saying you won't, but don't hold your breath.

[EnglishCurryClub]

Spoke to CASA this yesterday, they are scanning medicals from around 9-10 December at present. Told to ring in another 2 weeks to chase up mine.

[Major_B0b]

Hey everyone.
I'm thinking of giving ATC a go, I think I would really enjoy it. but I have a few questions.

1. From what I have read from this thread, management seems to be really poor, but can someone explain why that is??

2. If management is as bad as everyone here is saying, what upsides are there to the job if your willing to put up with poor management? So what im asking is why do you like/love your job??

3. I have a PPL, does that make the start of the course any easier study wise? or does it not really make any difference??

4. There is a lot of posts saying tower is really good, but I want to know what enroute is like?? Any guys/gals here do it and really like it?? I thought it sounded really interesting.

5. A few people here are saying to get down and check out a tower/center, but I called up airsevices the other day to try and get a visit to melb center/tower to talk to some controllers, but I was told they don't do that. The best they could offer me was a spot in the GA information night next month because I'm a pilot. Anyone here had any luck getting to visit melb tower/center??

Hopefully you guys can answer some of my questions.
Thanks.

[le Pingouin]

1. A CEO unwilling to hear anything but "yes", who sees unproven technology & "creative" solutions as easy fixes (see point 1) & rules as something to be gamed, bent & warped (see point 1).

2. Personally I find the job interesting, stimulating & challenging, I work with a bunch of intelligent & interesting people, & there's minimal office politics. Unfortunately those who do like that sort of thing are often the ones who climb the greasy pole to escape controlling & participate in point 1.

Day to day you can largely ignore what management are up to & what happens at work stays at work, unless something really bad or unusual happens.

3. I'm not overly familiar with the current course but it'd only be basic stuff that was relevant, so not exactly hard to grasp or learn. Might mean an easy ride for a short time but don't bet on it.

4. Most of us work enroute so it can't be that bad! I've only worked enroute so can't personally compare but I enjoy it - the sectors I work have plenty of variety.

5. Unfortunately we work in a "sterile" environment these days & you don't get in without a valid operational reason. Take up the offer of the GA info night as you should get the opportunity to talk to an active controller who hosts them & have a tour of the ops room.

[Major_B0b]

Thanks for the reply le Pingouin.

So it seems to be a good job then, it's just the bloke in charge can't run the place well? So do you see management improving in the foreseeable future? or is it something you have come to expect and just live with it/deal with it?

Hmmm sounds like a job I would enjoy then. I take it you don't stick with just the 1 sector? Does it change per shift or something??
Also just wondering what sort of overtime do you guys do, is it like an hour or so every few shifts? Or do they want you working several hours extra most of your shifts?

Ahh yeh fair enough, I suppose with security issues and I'm sure you guys don't want any added distractions. I think I will go to the GA info night then, might be a good chance to check out the place and talk to someone in person.

In the mean time I think i'll apply and have a crack at it.

[le Pingouin]

Too much focus on looking for external business "opportunities" & too little focus on "core business". You just live with it & I doubt it will change much any time soon.

We work in groups that control multiple sectors - initially you hold one rating but gain more over time until you hold all in your group. What you work generally depends on who is due for a break from the console, so usually you work more than one sector in a shift. Also we combine sectors when it's quiet.

Overtime is mainly a whole shift to replace someone who has called in sick or a blank shift in the roster, so you're getting called in on your days off. Occasionally you do an extra hour or two at the end of a shift if there's something out of the ordinary like bad thunderstorms.

It's certainly not a job for everyone but if you don't try you'll never know. Do the GA night if you can.

[stevep64]

If you get past the phone interview stage, I'd suggest trying again for a visit. I rang the 1800 number on Airservices' website and told them I had an assessment coming up. They put me straight through to the ops room at Brisbane, and Jumbo organised for me to visit the following week. I spent about 3 or 4 hours listening in in different groups and up in the tower.

[Jack Ranga]

1. From what I have read from this thread, management seems to be really poor, but can someone explain why that is??

CEO = No ATC experience, bonus driven, management layers below him tell him what he wants to hear, certain areas of the business are in a shambles and are being held together by work-face controllers, techs and support staff.

ATC's are results driven, you get real time feedback of how you are performing. You are constantly monitored as to your performance. If you f@ck up you pay a penalty. If you continue to f@ck up you can lose your licence, it can and does happen. ATC's get their nose out of joint when managers f@ck up and they don't take responsibility for their f@ck ups.

ATC's get their nose out of joint when managers lie about ATC's during EBA negotiations, ASA staff numbers have exploded in the back office but continue to decline ATC wise despite a significant growth in movements.

2. If management is as bad as everyone here is saying, what upsides are there to the job if your willing to put up with poor management? So what im asking is why do you like/love your job??

Once you are rated and feeling comfortable you don't take any work home with you. There is a real sense of accomplishment when you are doing your job well. When we had the appropriate staffing levels there was scope to get involved in projects etc.

3. I have a PPL, does that make the start of the course any easier study wise? or does it not really make any difference??

Yes, very much so, any spare brain capacity that you can allocate to the more difficult learning tasks of the course will help you.

4. There is a lot of posts saying tower is really good, but I want to know what enroute is like?? Any guys/gals here do it and really like it?? I thought it sounded really interesting.

I've done en-route most of the time with a stint in a tower. Tower I couldn't stand and couldn't wait to get out of there (maybe it had to do with the aerodrome atmosphere, the facilities in the tower falling apart or being cooped up in a small work area with the same people day after day?) En-route is extremely varied, you can be doing full radar sectors, full procedural sectors, a mixture of both. There may be sectors that have a heavy workload during the night shift, sectors that are busiest along the times that business people want to travel etc

5. A few people here are saying to get down and check out a tower/center, but I called up airsevices the other day to try and get a visit to melb center/tower to talk to some controllers, but I was told they don't do that. The best they could offer me was a spot in the GA information night next month because I'm a pilot. Anyone here had any luck getting to visit melb tower/center??

Do the GA info night, it's better than nothing. Unfortunately those nights show you around when there's not much going on, you don't get much of a sense of the job.

[Nano_]

To those experienced Australians ATC out there,

Do you know how difficult it is to move up in Levels once you get your licence? How long does it take to go from Level1 to L2, 3, 4... 9? Is it based on merit or just number of years spent in the job?

Cheers

[Jack Ranga]

It used to be automatic, up a level every year of service. Now it's dependant on your 'work performance' i.e. how many sick days you take.

Journeymen controllers are being pushed onto training on the next sector on their group before they have had proper consolidation or are ready to do so. This is due to serious staffing problems on most groups. You'd think in return for achieving extra ratings that you'd skip a level or two.................not likely.

In rare cases you may advance two levels in one go, but I mean rare. You would have to do some serious ar$e licking to achieve that.

[topdrop]

In rare cases you may advance two levels in one go, but I mean rare. You would have to do some serious ar$e licking to achieve that.

I have recommended 3 controllers for accelerated advancement - all were approved. All had performed work above that of those around them. They hadn't asked for or been offered advancement if they did the work. Funny how working a little bit better and being recognised for doing so is called arse-licking.

[le Pingouin]

And there have plenty who have been passed over for an extra increment, despite putting in considerable extra effort. It's too dependent on the particular manager to be fair. A very flawed system.

[Jack Ranga]

I have recommended 3 controllers for accelerated advancement - all were approved. All had performed work above that of those around them. They hadn't asked for or been offered advancement if they did the work. Funny how working a little bit better and being recognised for doing so is called arse-licking.


Weeeeell Topdrop, great stuff :D And I have personal information of controllers who were promised one increment, not accelerated, and were gibbed in the process to have the 'promising' manager deny ever agreeing to the one increment let alone accelerated. Depends where you work and who your friends are I guess??

That there is not a standard process for these issues is a problem in itself is it not?

Then again if new controllers weren't sold out by their compadres in the first place with the 73 increments required now there wouldn't be a problem would there, yet again, that's a whole nother story isn't it?

If the Jouneymen to FPC process had stayed in place a controller gaining more ratings would be appropriately remunerated and there wouldn't be a problem would there??

Yep, the subjective 'working a little better' works well doesn't it?

[Plazbot]

Is it appropriate that for a controller to progress through ATC pay scales they have to do non ATC things?

[topdrop]

Is it appropriate that for a controller to progress through ATC pay scales they have to do non ATC things?
Where I worked, all controllers received the next increment every year - those that warranted it received accelerated advancement.
A very flawed system
could also be described as one where you get the increment no matter what you do - or don't do :ugh::ugh::ugh:
It all depends on your perspective.

[raz7jez]

Hi guys, wondering if anyone from the interviews in Melbourne in November has heard anything?
My referee was contacted but still haven't heard anything.
Cheers

[mrfancypants]

I have recommended 3 controllers for accelerated advancement - all were approved. All had performed work above that of those around them. They hadn't asked for or been offered advancement if they did the work. Funny how working a little bit better and being recognised for doing so is called arse-licking. Could it be that you were unwittingly the recipient of the licking Topdrop???

[topdrop]

Let's just say I wasn't born yesterday. :}

[DirtyPierre]

It used to be automatic, up a level every year of service. Now it's dependant on your 'work performance' i.e. how many sick days you take. Not correct. You get your pay increase on your 1st rating/endorsement aniversary. Sometimes the pay increase is back paid due to the paper work not getting put in quickly or their is a hold up in Canberra for one reason or another. In any case, the increments are automatic. So therefore L9 takes 9 years to achieve.

Weeeeell Topdrop, great stuff And I have personal information of controllers who were promised one increment, not accelerated, and were gibbed in the process to have the 'promising' manager deny ever agreeing to the one increment let alone accelerated. Depends where you work and who your friends are I guess??I also have recommended controllers for accelerated advancement. Unfortunately, not all were accepted by the GM ATC. Of course in those cases I was blamed, even though I have no control over that outcame. No arse-licking required or accepted by me either.

Is it appropriate that for a controller to progress through ATC pay scales they have to do non ATC things?Hey Plaz, is GTS, OJTI, Technical Specialist non-ATC things? I think its all part and parcel of the organisation of providing ATC services. To have controllers you've got to train them, develop procedures, etc.



DP

[pop4]

Im just wondering what the hiring process is like? I.e do they do a phone interview first, testing etc?
The information on this page (http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/careers/air-traffic-controller/applicant-assessment/) is pretty current. Online application > online testing > telephone interview > assessment centre.

I'm from Brisbane as well, so i'm wondering if they send you down to Melbourne for testing or if they do it all from Brisbane?I believe the recruitment team travel around to the different capital cities to conduct rounds of assessment centres, if you do get that far. You may or may not have a choice as to where you go for the assessment centre. E.g. I know of a person from Melbourne that did their assessment centre in Sydney.

IJust skimming through some threads here it seems that people from all employment backgrounds have a chance. Im in logistics at the moment (concrete agi's) but apart from the 'logistics' aspect I have absolutely zero experience in anything like what ATC involves.A non-aviation background shouldn't be a problem; if you've got the skillset and what it takes to be an ATC, you've got what it takes. If you don't, you don't.

Can anyone give me an insight into what sort of testing they do? Is there any way to prepare?
Last question - anyone know of any online practice tests?The online testing is similar to the SHL testing many companies use in their graduate recruitment processes. Also, this thread has quite a bit of useful information.

Good luck

[madbrid]

Just wondering if anyone out there is able to provide some info on the courses being run out of Brisbane.

ie, general start times, facilities (classrooms, syndicate / study rooms), after hours access, gym?? and the like.

Starting course in a couple of months and trying to get a bit better idea of the daily routine and layout so I can get try and figure out a work/play/rest/travel ratio

Cheers

[ReefToppy]

Hi Madbrid
I did my training in Melbourne so start times may be different, but we started at 7am at the earliest, 11am at the latest (they had courses spread out their start times to accommodate the sim).

Theres a couple of class rooms - you will probably be assigned one for your course so you don't have to move around. There's an area behind the TV room you could do some private study, or set up downstairs in the cafeteria (outside of lunchtime theres always plenty of room there). These areas (aside from the classrooms) will be accessible 24/7.

There is also a gym on site you will be able to sign up for once you get here that has all hours access.

Hope that helps

[Totalunit]

Hi Madbrid, and congrats on getting onto an atc training course.

In Brisbane, they are set up to have 2 courses at any time, due to the need to share the sim. You will work a basic 9-5 for the first 8 weeks while you do the introductory theory component of the course. Then you will be in the sim for the next 12 months basically, and work a 0700-1412 or 1148-1900 shift week about.

The training is normally delivered with about a 1 hour sim pre brief, followed by 5 hours in the sim (2 hours playing pilot and 2 playing atc) followed by a 1 hour debrief. There are 4 modules that you need to pass in the sim; DTI, non radar, radar and combined ops. There are also periods when theory trainng is also delivered concurrent with the sim program, for example, when you do the non radar module, you will also do your sep standards theory,which, naturally, is a critical subject.

The Brisbane training is done in the operations building ( unlike Melbourne, which is done in a separate stand alone facility) so you have easier access to
the gym, stand down areas, canteen etc etc used by the operational staff.

Good luck with the course.

[mrshaikat]

Hi, can anyone give me idea how long it may take to start the course if i apply now?(if i successfully go through all steps & i live in melb)
and i am from non-English speaking background but as i finished my degree in finance n staying here for 7 yrs , so i am pretty ok in communicating but do i have to have a decent accent for the job ?

[Knackers]

mrshaika,

You'll have to be assessed against an ICAO English language test which, I think, only RMIT does in Melbourne. I'm not sure what the citizenship criteria are.

[pop4]

Hi, can anyone give me idea how long it may take to start the course if i apply now?(if i successfully go through all steps & i live in melb)"Training duration

Applicants with no prior experience (ab initio):
* Learning Academy: 12 months approximately
* Final field training: 4 – 6 months approximately"
source (http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/careers/air-traffic-controller/training-and-posting/)

However, it is my understanding that tower courses tend to get through the learning academy in less than 12 months, and the enroute courses may take slightly longer than 12 months.

and i am from non-English speaking background but as i finished my degree in finance n staying here for 7 yrs , so i am pretty ok in communicating but do i have to have a decent accent for the job?ICAO requires ATCs to have at ICAO English Level 4 or above, and if you have been in Australia for 7 years, then chances are you probably should be at least at that level. However, the best thing to do is to contact [email protected] directly and ask for yourself.

I'm not sure what the citizenship criteria are. "To be eligible for training, applicants are required to meet the mandatory criteria at the time of submitting their application. Applicants are required to:
...
* be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or hold permanent residency status in Australia"
source (http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/careers/air-traffic-controller/applicant-assessment/)

[mrshaikat]

Thnkx for quick reply, I am holding australian citizenship so i am eligible on that term. But how long it takes for the interview process ? means duration between day 1(job application) and Final notification that u r selected for training ? how many months 4/5 ?

[Fatty182]

From what I've heard from people just starting in the Academy, it's about 6 months at the moment. Prior to that, it was out to 14 months for some people (me and just about everyone else who started around the same time :()

[Razor]

Anyone had any feedback re: the next steps from the telephone interviews conducted 19-20 Jan?

[LozFlyer]

Hi All,

I'm going through the application process at the moment as well. I had my phone interview before Christmas and have yet to hear anything else. The lady who conducted my interview told me I would be going through to the next round, which for me is a full assessment day in Brisbane sometime in late March. The wait is getting very hard. I am practising my mental arithmetic though!

[Runways]

To anyone who just came out of the college, what does the take home salary equate to? I,ve seen the annual salary but just wanted to know the after tax value, is it fortnightly,monthly? Thanks

[pop4]

To anyone who just came out of the college, what does the take home salary equate to? I,ve seen the annual salary but just wanted to know the after tax value, is it fortnightly,monthly? Thanks The basic method of calculating the take home salary is no different from any other job really. Take the gross annual income, work out which tax bracket you belong to (http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.aspx?doc=/content/12333.htm) to find out how much tax you'll have to pay, and then subtract the tax from your gross annual income to find your net annual income. And then divide by the appropriate number of pay periods, which, in the case of the learning academy, is fortnightly. Of course, this does not take into account any deductions, levies, monies withholding etc, that may vary with your own individual circumstances.

This post is not financial advice.

[tusitala]

The biggest thing I noticed during testing is the lack of background knowledge others had. Yes it is true you can get by, but if you show no interest I.e not visiting any towers etc, or having a basic knowledge of what atc is all about, you are setting yourself up to fail at the college.

[Baileys]

This post is not financial advise.....

Really? Didn't sound like it either. Hope you have professional indemnity insurance saying stuff like that!!

[sentinel1]

Hi,

I have really found this forum very interesting and resourceful-Thanks a lot!

I have recently applied for the ATC in take for 2012 on the 30th of January 2012 as advertised on SEEK website-does anyone know when is this intake for?? its for en-route positions though here in Melbourne.

anyone else applied recently in January through seek?

will keep posted!

Cheers

[cadetkid]

I also applied about 2 weeks ago though not through seek, I applied directly on their websites job listing. Looking at the seek listing it looks exactly the same though. I'm really keen to start getting through the recruitment process but it's all a waiting game I guess!

[sentinel1]

good luck and hopefully the norm has been around a month's time from the application date-you receive an invitation to complete online assessments and considering the closing date is 12th of March-its a waiting game.

[cadetkid]

good luck to you too. Hopefully it doesnt take too long, but you cant rush these things!! Let me know how you go with it!

[Major_B0b]

Hello again everyone.

I went to the pilot information night last week down at Melbourne airport. It was really great to check out Melbourne center and the simulator room.
The simulator was quite cool, I got to sit down and play with it for a few minutes, accepting aircraft and changing the altitudes etc. It reminded me of a video game in a way. It seemed quite complicated, but I guess that's what all the training is for.
Melbourne center itself was really interesting and fascinating. To think half of aus and more is controlled from that one room is quite amazing. It was around 22:00 when we got to look in MC so the western Australia side of the room had a lot more controllers than the Melbourne side. Got to look at the aircraft/airspace around Melbourne (there wasn't too many so the controller was quite happy to point some things out to us.)
It was quite a good night and has really got me wanting to do this as a job more, now that I have seen it closer.
Anyway I managed to have most of my questions answered by one of the trainers and one of the controllers, but I have a couple more that I forgot to ask last week. So hopefully you guys might be able to help.

1. On average how many aircraft would you guys manage at once (Per person) and what would be the maximum you would handle?

2. How is the support if you think you have too many A/C and you want some help with them? One of the guys I spoke too said you can allways ask for some help to manage the A/C. But how does this work generally? can someone pull up your sector and take a couple of A/C or does someone just stand next to you and have a look?

3. How long do you stay on one sector? Do you generally learn an area with several sectors or just a sector?

4. They guys were saying that AsA is severely understaffed (as suggested by people on here also) and working 10 days is not uncommon. But After 10 days you must be given time off right? anyone know what that would be?
Also I don't quite understand how overtime can be forced. If your busy or unreachable or not at home on your day off, It seems a bit silly to be expected at work in say an hours time. I'm sure there are days when your not busy and you may as well go into work, but I'm just wondering how often you get called for extra shifts?

5. Anyone know a rough hourly rate for controllers (base rate of $83,000PA I think)? Just curious if anyone has worked it out.

6. How tough is the training? Is it mostly dependent on each individual (some people can ace it without studying and others have to study 24/7)? Or is it really quite tough. The trainer guy I spoke to said it changes person to person, but its structured quite well (building block style) and its not as bad as its made out to be. I would assume, you have to really work hard (just being on the safe side), but anyone have any personal stories about the training? Did you enjoy it? Some parts easy? some parts hard?

I'll leave it at that for now. I dont want to bother people with hundreds of questions, I just want to get an idea of the job before going through with it.
I have my application in, so here's hoping I'm what AsA is looking for!!

Also good luck to the rest of you guys who have put your applications in.

[willadvise]

1. On average how many aircraft would you guys manage at once (Per person) and what would be the maximum you would handle?

This is no definate answeer for this because it depends entirely on what position you are workings. A tower controller will generally have less than a TMA controller who again will have less than a Enroute controller. The large procedural sectors can have to 20-30 aircraft at once, the larger radar sectors maybe 15-20, the smaller radar sectors 10-15, TMA about 5-10.

2. How is the support if you think you have too many A/C and you want some help with them? One of the guys I spoke too said you can allways ask for some help to manage the A/C. But how does this work generally? can someone pull up your sector and take a couple of A/C or does someone just stand next to you and have a look?

If there is someone spare you can call upon them but that may not be the case all the time. See you comment about short staffing. How does it work? Often you are working 2 or more sectors combined. If the workload gets high someone will take one of your sectors to relieve the workload. If you can't split anything off then someone may plug in next to you and monitor whats going on, point out anything you may have missed, work on separation problems and coordinate with other controllers to relieve workload.

3. How long do you stay on one sector? Do you generally learn an area with several sectors or just a sector?

You will be assigned to one group which covers a particular area of airspace. This airspace will usually have multiple sectors within it. You will usually starting training on the easiest sector in the group. Once rated and after some consolidation you will progressively train on all the other sectors within you group until you have all the ratings for that group. How long you stay in that group is a difficult thing to answer. Due to the staffing shortages there is quite a bit of gridlock with staffing. Ie people can't be released to move to another group because there is noone to replace them. But you can probably expect a minimum of 5 years in the one group before you can move one to something different.


4. They guys were saying that AsA is severely understaffed (as suggested by people on here also) and working 10 days is not uncommon. But After 10 days you must be given time off right? anyone know what that would be?
Also I don't quite understand how overtime can be forced. If your busy or unreachable or not at home on your day off, It seems a bit silly to be expected at work in say an hours time. I'm sure there are days when your not busy and you may as well go into work, but I'm just wondering how often you get called for extra shifts?

Minimum rest after 10 days working is only one day off. 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.

5. Anyone know a rough hourly rate for controllers (base rate of $83,000PA I think)? Just curious if anyone has worked it out.

=(83000/52)/36=$44.33/h

6. How tough is the training? Is it mostly dependent on each individual (some people can ace it without studying and others have to study 24/7)? Or is it really quite tough. The trainer guy I spoke to said it changes person to person, but its structured quite well (building block style) and its not as bad as its made out to be. I would assume, you have to really work hard (just being on the safe side), but anyone have any personal stories about the training? Did you enjoy it? Some parts easy? some parts hard?

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.

[thequestor2000]

Thank you so much to all those who contribute to this forum. It is great to be able to read the stories of those who have been through the application process before.

I have just completed the online assessment :eek: and have no idea how I went. I guess now I have the play the waiting game like everyone else.

If registering for this forum was part of the job application, I would have failed dismally....it took me 10 goes, and yes I had to google the 3 letter name for the biggest airport in New York, and how many engines does a 757 have. I am beginning to think I am not cut out for this job after all! :)

[thequestor2000]

Just a further note to my last post.

I did the online tests at 8pm last night, and got an email at 8am this morning to book the phone interview! :D

Looks like the process has sped up quite a bit!

[cadetkid]

I did my online tests on thursday night and also got the email at 8am this morning to book my telephone interview. Really happy with that because I thought I had royally screwed up the online tests! My phone interview is booked in on the 24th, so hopefully that goes well and it doesnt take too long after that to go to an assessment day! :)

[WichWayIsUp]

Hi there everyone,

I was hoping if there is someone out there who can possibly inform me, what the current working schedule is like at the Brisbane center for En Route traffic controllers. It sounds like Air Services Australia might be plagued with being short staffed from what I can gather on this forum. And I understand fully that as a controller you should be able to work over time. However I guess I am just trying to be aware of how much over time the average controller is putting in these days.

Thank you in advance.

Kind regards

[AuUnboxer]

That is interesting that thequestor2000 and cadetkid got the email for telephone interview at 8am the next morning after completing SHL testing. I did my online test on the 20th Feb and no email the following morning nor second day…. I guess I can take that as a rejection. :{

I wonder if the process in moving a candidate to the next stage is automatically done by a computer so even if you are a really good candidate but are like one or two marks off in SHL testing cut off point it means non selection because of no human evaluation of the results.

[CanuckInOz]

Hi All,

Long time listener, first time caller. I have passed both my online testing and telephone interview and have my test day booked for March 7th here in Sydney.

I'm looking forward to the day; quite pumped about it actually.

Is there anyone else that has their onsite testing the same day?

For experienced ATC's out there, are there any towers that ASA are desperately short on? I may be one of the few that wouldnt mind going to Broome or Cairns.

I know its getting a bit ahead of myself, just curious on the matter.

Thanks!!

[stevep64]

"For experienced ATC's out there, are there any towers that ASA are desperately short on? I may be one of the few that wouldnt mind going to Broome or Cairns."

Actually, my missus has already told me she wouldn't mind if I got posted to Cairns. :) The only place she doesn't want to live is Sydney :=

I'm on the Tower course starting in May.

[Liberty70]

Evening all,

Applied to the seek advertisement on the 6th Feb and haven't heard a thing back yet, save for the email confirming that my application had been received.

Now panicking sightly that people have been through the first round of testing.

Thequestor2000, cadetkid, WichWayIsUp, AuUnboxer, CanuckInOz did you all apply in Jan or Feb 2012?

Cheers,

Stu.

[AuUnboxer]

Hi Liberty70,

I applied directly through the Airservices Australia website on the 22nd of Jan and got the email for online testing on the 15th of Feb so that is about 24 days. So I would wait about 4 weeks before worrying that you have not go to the next stage.

However as the others mentioned they seem to be progressing applications quickly once you pass the online testing; sending the email for telephone interview booking the next day. I just wish they could send the rejection letter the next day too instead of leaving people hanging and wondering.

[thequestor2000]

Hi Liberty70, I applied in the first week of January and got the email about the online testing about 4 weeks later. My phone interview is tomorrow so I am seriously hoping it goes well!

Goodluck with your application.

[Barefoota]

G'day All,

Just wondering if anyone on here attended the Testing Days in Nth Syd in early Jan?

One of my referees was contacted 10 days after testing, and now nothing...

I'm somewhat positive about having references checked, but bloody hell they string you out! :ouch: haha

They told us 6 weeks but we're approaching 7...

[cadetkid]

Hi liberty,


I applied on jan 21st, got the email for the online testing on feb 15 & got the phone interview email on feb 18. My phone interview is booked in for tomorrow so I hope all goes well there!

[Nozzle y Xan]

Unfortunately thats how ASA play the game...slowly!! Keep trapping them on the shoulder every month and eventually you'll get some info out of them.:ok:

[WichWayIsUp]

Hi Liberty70,

The process can be quite long for some. I myself applied back in April 2011,
however I did apply directly through the ASA website.

[stevep64]

Once you've done the assessment day, they won't contact the unsuccessful applicants until all the successful ones have been called. I assume it would be the same at the different stages as well.

Also, I haven't heard of anyone getting to the phone interview and not progressing to the assessment day.

[CanuckInOz]

Hi Liberty,

I'm not a very good example to gauge time frame as ASA sent me the wrong online tests to do originally so, I had to do the online tests twice!

From the time I did the online tests it was about 1 week, then booked my phone interview, then a week after that I was invited to the testing day here in Sydney.

That brings us up to now!

Sorry, this probably isn't much help but, I have found that if you phone into the recruitment centre, everyone there is really helpful so you should get some answers.

Cheers.

[AuUnboxer]

I haven't heard of anyone getting to the phone interview and not progressing to the assessment day.

stevep64 makes a good point here you would have to come across as a very poor communicator over the phone to be rejected at this stage. From what I have gathered by the recruitment process and the wording of the rejection email from AirServices Australia is that the SHL testing is the be all and end all for HR to assess whether you will make a good Air Traffic Controller. In Airservices Australia words:

We have found that these tools are predictive of success in these roles.

Which is interesting considering many of the comments on here about the failure rate at the academy/field placement for those that make it through the drawn out recruitment process.

[AuUnboxer]

I had to do the online tests twice!

CanuckInOz were the two cognitive tests very similar?

If that is the case it sounds like you were gifted a great opportunity to practice SHL testing before doing the real thing. That would have been a massive advantage over the other candidates.

[CanuckInOz]

Hey AuUnboxer,

Nah, it was different. Some similarities but, nothing that would give me an advantage.

I was never apprehensive about the online tests, the real ones come at the testing center I think.

[stevep64]

I don't think doing the online tests twice gives anyone and advantage. Once you get to the assessment day, you will be assessed by at least 7 different people, and possibly more (who knows what they remember about you as you hoe into the free sandwiches at lunch time and chat to the assessors). That's where you have to shine

When it gets right down to it, you either have it or you don't. In the long run, it may be better to be knocked out in the early stages of selection than to move to Melbourne and flunk out of the training course.

In some ways, (and I really don't want to upset any unsuccessful applicants here) selection is a bit like auditioning for Australian Idol. Your life's ambition might be to work in ATC (be a famous singer), but you might not have what it takes (be tone deaf).

Don't forget, if you do get selected you may not get through the training. I've already be alerted to the fact I may not finish the training because I'm an old fart at 47.

Oh, and if you think the selection process is tough, wait till you start dealing with CASA.

[amberale]

Hi folks.
For the record, I am 50 and have just got my 30 years service.
I am looking forward to retirement soonish.
Out of my double course of 40 people about 28 got rated and 15 are still working as ATC, most with ASA but a couple with other ANS providers.
There are 2 or 3 who are still with ASA but in non ATC positions.

I believe that our course had one of the more successful pass rates in the 80s.
We had failure rates of 50% even then with the "cadet" style long term courses.

No one I know of has ever winged it through training with minimal or no study.
Some people can absorb the huge amount of regs, rules and legal requirements, are naturals at the multitasking and shrug off the pressure.
Most aren't/cannot do it that easily.
Lots of those people still work through it and become very good controllers but it is a hard slog.
Every new position will involve more training and hard work, even after 20 years in the job.
The job is evolutionary with new airspace/procedures/aircraft etc all the time, so you will always be training and adapting.

I'm not trying to put anyone off.
It is a great job with a lot of rewards but not everyone is suited to it.

Outstation towers are a great way to learn the craft and a hell of a lot of fun.
You get to know everyone in the local aviation comunity from the aero club, training groups, firies, refuellers, airline staff, local council operators etc.
You are usually welcomed into the local comunity with open arms.
It is also usually easier to get to a plum position [CS, CG, MC, CFS, ] if you " do your time' in an outstation.

Don't be afraid of tower stream because you might get sent to a remote locality.
You might just find out that you love it and don't want to leave.

AA

[Razor]

Has anyone who did telephone interviews in mid Jan been informed of any assessment day dates for Brisbane yet?

[cadetkid]

Lady on the phone told me today that brisbane has a day at the end of march but its all booked out, and the next days are in sydney in april and may. Was told id get an email within 2 weeks to book onto one of those days.

[cadetkid]

Sorry correction on my last post. The next days are in melbourne, not sydney.

[Razor]

Thanks for the feedback. it had gone quiet. i understand why now.
cheers

[Liberty70]

Hi all,

Thanks for the replies regarding the delay in applying and getting the email for the testing.

Applied on the 6th Feb, got the email for the testing late Friday 24th Feb, and have just completed the online testing. I have to say it was a lot harder that the SHL testing I've done for roles in private enterprise. Went in quite confident, but now I have no idea. Guess we'll wait and see - fingers crossed.

Again, thanks all for you replies.

Cheers,

Stu.

[Bronair]

Hey Stu!

Have you heard back as yet how you went with the online tests?

I submitted my application about a week ago. I haven't heard anything as yet. I don't really expect to for another three weeks or so!

Thanks Bron