Long time lurker, first time poster. I just finished the online interviews and felt like I butchered it. Anyone know when to expect to hear back from them

Hey prodigal,

Sent you a PM as well. I did my interview on Friday morning and was a bit nervous myself, having never done a recorded interview before. Was a little weird talking to a machine. Anyway, I have no idea how long before we hear back.
I am trying to not let the uncertainty consume me, so grateful that I'm snowed under with work. Still checking my messages every couple hours just in case.

Wondering if the next contact will be a phone call, or the usual text telling you to log into the system?

Struggler 2 DavidBall1884 Allyjay you guys have any answers to these?

Judging by a few replies in Septemeber about a week after the closing of the online interviews, which i believe was Tuesday, you get an email inviting you to a virtual assessment centre via teams. They may have re-opened the assessment day where you need to go to Brisbane or whatever, so an invite to the online virtual assessment day or in-person Assessment day is on the way for successful applicants soon.

Assessment Centre (Virtual)
 

Hi everyone!
I applied for the trainee position in early October last year and passed online tests and video interview.
Now I'm waiting for early February Virtual assessment centre tests.
Has anyone got an e-mail about this will be held? I'm still waiting for it. Previous e-mail says someone will call me as well.
Really nervous about the exam tho.. Fingers crossed for me and everyone who is currently taking it and waiting for their result!!

p.s Does anyone has tips for virtual assessment centre exam or how to prepare it?

Thanks guys!!

Hi all,

JimS prodigal I emailed ASA a few days ago to ask about timelines and what steps remain. I was told that for our group (mid November application), we will have the results of our online interviews by the end of this week (i.e. tomorrow 21st Jan). She said to expect an invite to the virtual assessment centre after that if successful, which I suspect may be the same one in Feb you refer to. She told me that the virtual assessment cente will comprise of a group activity, an interview again with 2 assessors, and re-doing the online tests we've already done to confirm skills.

So I guess its still just waiting for news for our group, happy for you that you already have your good news!

What stream did you express interest in and where have you stated you'd like to be based?

Has anyone ever had issues getting the class 3 medical certificate? If so, what issues did you encounter and how did you fix it. Most commonly ive heard issues of delays. is there anything else?
cheers

Hey all,

Just to let you guys know, I received an email saying that I have been successful with the online interview, and have been placed in a pool from which they draw applicants as the need arises. Next step would be invitation to attend a virtual assessment centre, but no indication was given as to when this could happen.

So good news all round! But now we need to get on with whatever we do I suppose until we hear something back from them.

Good luck and hope to see you guys soon!

Assessment Centre Invite
 

Hi all,

I also just got an email suggesting their interview maybe conducted face to face instead of holding it virtually. They haven’t set the date yet but I’m guessing it will be late Feb / early March according to their previous email.

Now I’m just wondering if we do make it through the recruitment process, when will we be able to start our training? Any ideas?

Concerns about the work environment
 

Hey guys.
I'm growing slightly concerned about the glassdoor reviews from current employees, many are saying the business is extremely poorly run, its not a caring environment, management sucks, senior execs dont know whats going on, unforgiving restructure and changes etc... - examples 1. "Poor safety culture, Poor people culture, No recognition of good work". 2. " Leadership…. HA! What leadership? These “leaders” couldn’t lead themselves down a waterslide even if you pushed them at the top. Advice to Management. I would rather have my arms and legs eaten off by rabies infested lions than ever be within 100km’s of your rotten faces. Hope all of you quit, or even better, get done over in court." 3. "Poor management. Corrupt leadership. Bullying from everyone". Only 22% would recommend the place to a friend and only 9% approval of the CEO

Can someone who works there potentially shine some light on all the negativity online, is it really such a bad place to work??? i'm becoming slightly concerned as i said

I’d agree with all of the above.

Think old school RAAF morphed with Lord of the Flies. Start by forming an all male government department managed by old school RAAF, turn it into an exclusive private entity then add very well paid. Allow it to self manage. Immaturity and butt kissing is prevalent.

Poor behaviour has been rife forever. The treatment of women when they started in ATC has been a long term stain. Any variation from the “norm” makes you susceptible.

Following internal and external (read federal legislation and laws) policies is definitely not a priority for management at the academy or in the towers/centres and HR. A good coverup and circling of the wagons solves that.

ASA is not accountable to anyone and it shows.

If you get in, trust no one and watch your back. Don’t be quiet or outspoken. Don’t mention any issues or “weaknesses”. The grapevine is strong, hungry and extremely active. Your entire career can be destroyed because of something you wear, say or do.

Poor behaviour and actions by management are denied, protected and hidden through over 6 levels of management. You at the bottom are expendable as they close ranks to protect what they have. Incestuous is a word that comes to mind with how it’s run and who gets each role.

Don’t expect Civil Air to put you ahead of management when it comes to the crunch. Your poor ass will be traded for some larger deal being negotiated.

I could list endless breaches of workplace practices across dozens of areas today and still think of more tomorrow.

It’s a real pity as it’s a great job in an amazing field.

Too many brilliant and nice folk get destroyed without justification. Thrown under the bus daily.

No bitterness or anger here, just honesty.

I’d go as far as saying that the social schoolyard level skills required to achieve a successful and rewarding career honestly and morally are far in excess of the academic and intellectual requirements to get in.

Dishonest heartless grubs thrive.

Look I’d say that the negativity is justified, BUT it is a great job for those with a passion for aviation - more importantly, the guys and girls you’ll work with in the tower or on console are for the most part a great crew and you’ll likely make a lot of (positive) memories you’ll never forget.

Yea the organisation has a long way to go when it comes to women/inclusivity in general for ATC/firefighters, but it’s making (slow) progress. If you do a few quick google searches there are plenty of recent articles floating around from the last few years that will show you why many get disenfranchised and rightly so. That doesn’t mean you can’t sign up, dip your toes in the water and hang on for the ride if you’re having fun - then join all the other controllers a few years later in bitching about the frankly bizarre scenarios that management continuously find themselves in.

If you’re someone with an easy going personality who loves the idea of controlling airplanes I’d say it’s worth a go, if you’re someone with grand ambitions about climbing a (non-existent in AsA) ladder and making your mark in the workplace then you should probably get into finance.

100% what obd said. ASA is a toxic environment in every area including the academy and management. If you're male and a bully or female and quiet you should be okay. I'm saying this as someone that still works there but I'm not sure why I do. I'm not saying this to put you off apply necessarily, but just to get you prepared for what you'll see.

A_Y I'm trying to send you a PM mate, but its saying you need to clear your inbox first. Happy to exchange numbers and keep in touch.

So I got my call last week to attend the assessment centre on the morning of the 6th of April. Fingers crossed all goes well. Looks like its a 4 hour session.

Hey A_Y I still cant message you mate.

Good luck to all doing assessment centres with me!

Hi everyone,
sat initial onine testing last week.
Recieved 3 emails for a further 7 online assesments.
I Understand i cant relly study or prepare but was wondering if anyone had any advice on the 25min "Radar Simulation" test.
Thanks in advance

Psychometric test at interview
 

I went to do my interview at a large training outfit in the UK 20 years ago or so as a would be commercial instructor. Initial interview was with non-flying HR chap, with a further interview with the CFI afterwards. Correctly surmised the latter interview was the more important. Given a psychometric test to finish the HR interview. Collecting my paper, the HR enquired "did you have any problems answering?", which in the circumstances seemed to invite a flippant reply, so stated "no" whilst giving the most extreme "nervous tick". The HR chap couldn't take a joke and grassed me up to the CFI, who could barely conceal his mirth. Got the job on the spot!

Later discovered that a good sense of humour was most necessary.

Salary and Training Location
 

Hi everyone, I am new in the chat, and I would like to have some help as I am in the process but so far I don’t have an idea:
How much will be the salary during training and after training?
It is a training centre in NSW?
If I have to relocate for training will I be posted back to my city?
Will they pay for relocation?
Sorry for so many questions but it’s worrying me a bit this situation as this is my dream job ever not matter people said about it.
Thanks I will appreciate it if someone can answer my questions.

Luis Godoy, demonstrating some initiative/proactiveness can be helpful to an applicant's case.

Pay is easily located on the Fair Work website at https://www.fwc.gov.au/document-sear...r%24%24traffic

The Academy is based in Melbourne. Again, you can find this information on the Airservices website https://www.airservicesaustralia.com...ining-program/. Those posted to Sydney will complete location specific final field training there prior to graduating.

When you sign on you undertake to be sent wherever you are needed. Most are sent to the two largest centres in Melbourne and Brisbane. Every one can nominate a preference. If you don't get your preferred location first up, odds are that you will get there down the track if you persist.

There is support for relocation costs. Yet again, this is on the Airservices website.

Your biggest concern is getting accepted into training. If the Ts and Cs are more important to you it is indicative of misplaced priorities. Yes there are some rather bitter people in ATC, but you can choose to be one of those or to enjoy the ride.

I really appreciate your answer, very helpful.

Hello all,

I just have a few questions and want some advice.

I'm 25, I'm a CPL holder with about 500 hours who became unemployed during covid. The last few years have left me really considering attempting an application with ASA and a move in ATC. I aviation and love flying, infact ATC was actually my original passion until I ended up going my CPL with a group of friends. I just feel like the stability and less uncertainty in the long term might be more for me.

My main questions are how do other people and how will ASA see this? I'm worried about coming across as someone who might not be fully committed or might want another change again down the road, is this something I should worry about?

Also when is the next application/expression of interest round expected to open? I'm not in any hurry as I need to make my decision 100% one way or the other.

There's plenty of CPLs and ATPLs who have both applied for ATC and made it (along with plenty who did not get accepted and/or did not make it through training, as with any other applicant background). Having some professional aviation background can be a help in some ways. Once in ATC, people tend to stay in unless they are found to be not up to scratch performance-wise (typically at-fault incidents or a poor check performance history), or self select back out for any number of personal reasons. If you decide to go ahead, a sense of commitment is an important factor for success. Do your research. Keep an eye on the website for when application windows open.

What’s the staffing situation like in Aus at the moment? Any plans to recruit internationally again?

AirServices Testing
 

Can anyone describe the radar simulation test

Apparently I made it through. Just waiting on a confirmed training start date. Is anyone else here in the same boat?

So it looks like they changed the process since the last time I applied where I didn't make it past the first round of testing.

This time around I made it to a second round of testing, some of which was fairly easy, some of which seemed fairly intense.

Has anyone else recently gone through this and what do you think?

Im going through it at the moment. Round 2 testing complete. I’ve gotta agree, some parts where super easy but that radar simulation with math questions popping up just for 4 seconds seemed impossible to ace. Feel as though I but butchered that. Are you waiting on results for round two now?

I had problems with that as well. Highly doubt I did well at all. I completed it all on Monday night so now just waiting to hear back.

Congrats on getting in!
How'd you find the radar simulation test? I struggled to process any of the math questions before they disappeared...

Didn't get through unfortunately. Good luck if you are still in.

Anyone waiting for Result from their interview and Reference Check?
 

Hi All
GOOD LUCK to everyone who's going through the tests.

Just want to find out if anyone heard back from ASA lately from Assessment Centre test & Xref reference check.

Initial application - October 2021

I had my 'Assessment Centre' tests using Microsoft team mid-late March and my referees completed Xref at the end of March.
I had a call from ASA couple of months ago asking the stream preference.

Late April, got an e-mail saying thisWe are writing to advise that your application has been placed on hold for the time being whilst we await confirmation of upcoming training courses.

Has anyone heard back from ASA after this e-mail?

Thank you all and all the best

I am pretty good with numbers, it's just comes natural to me. To be honest I'd be very very surprised if I got more than 1 wrong ; As in all maths answers AND plane requests. In fairness without being arrogant, I feel aptitude tests, and these tests in general suit me to a T. I feel you either have it or you dont, as its not like studying for a test. And the less time to answer/make decisions with numbers I seem to excel.
The hardest test out of everything for me was answering whether plane was to the left or right of the other plane..... the hardest part was it wasnt left or right it was true or false to left or right. So it was like you had to process double negatives or double positives quickly, and I know I struggled in that, but all the others I found quite comfortable.

That's not to say I wouldnt be a terrible air traffic controller? Who knows. But I'm happy that it seems like I'll get a chance. Maybe the job will could be my calling.

Hi mate.
I am at the exact same stage as yourself. Last I heard was that email stating they are waiting on confirmation of upcoming training courses.....

Though my initial application was January and my Microsoft Teams meeting was early May. I thought I have been waiting a long time, but your whole process length has been huge. I am starting to think now they are building candidates from multiple testing intakes until they have the desired amount, which makes sense I suppose.

Out of curiosity, did you choose Enroute?

Virtual assessment
 

Just got notified about “ Virtual assessment “ in mid September.
Any information on what to expect ?
TIA

I've completed the online psychometric testing, as well as the online Interrupt Test. Would the next steps be the virtual / pre-recorded interview and then the Virtual Assessment?

Exiflame,
funnily enough I had pre recorded interview before interrupt test. Go figure

That's weird. Anyway, ive passed the interrupt test and I'm through to the virtual interview. After the interview I think there's another assessment day, which is different to the interrupt test. I suppose just a reiteration of the online testing but surprised.

It's a bit weird how they've swapped around the order for my group.

Interruption Test
 

Hey Jzt,
Can you give me any tips for the ‘Interruption’ test as I have it coming up and have no idea what to expect? Would be much appreciated.

Interruption Test
 

Hi Exiflame,
Can you give me any tips for the ‘Interruption’ test as I have it coming up and have no idea what to expect? Would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Mav

Massively understaffed BUT not according to Airservices.
According to their media releases, we have an excess of 100 controllers. "They just need to be moved to the right places." Apparently, we're doing similar overtime numbers to pre-COVID. That is a lie, just a blatant lie.
Apparently, these staffing shortages aren't causing delays to the airlines. Not true in the slightest. Apparently, airspace hasn't been closed down. That must mean TIBA procedures is just a part of normal service delivery.
They're thinning the rosters to run at the minimum, in part due to reduced demand (in major terminals, increase in regional), but in reality it is because we have less staff. We will need lots of controllers to deal with upcoming projects, and eventually... the big move to a new system.
We lost 140+ controllers to the retirement incentive scheme. During which, an ad was placed looking for experienced controllers. That was quickly taken down when they realised they were paying people to leave and advertising for those same jobs.
They're full of it, but not full of staff.

Interrupt Test
 

Hi Mav,

I've also got the Interrupt Test coming up this week, if you've already completed it I'd love some insight.
Thanks 😊