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 😊

Good luck to all going through the interrupt testing! I've completed my video interview, and I'm through to the Assessment Centre.
Some tips for those doing the interrupt test: Get a good nights sleep, have coffee for concentration if you'd like, manage your time well during the test ;).
If anyone has done the assessment centre recently, would you be able to say if its virtual or in person? The email I got told me to stand by for an invite to it, but was otherwise pretty vague.

Pretty pumped to get through to hopefully the last stage of selection, however I shouldn't get my hopes up.

i have my assessment day in a couple weeks, virtual day for me.

Interrupt test
 

Well for those following, I did the online interrupt test today and actually thoroughly enjoyed it.
You are required to complete a task following commands from planes but ensuring you comply with 'rules' set out also.
Meanwhile you also need to answer questions and follow instructions on a completely different subject.
It requires concentration, accuracy and the ability to prioritise and forward plan. There's really no way to prepare for this beforehand.

We were told we'd receive results within 24hrs however I received an email within 10 minutes saying I'd passed and am now onto the video interview. There's a deadline of one week to complete this.

The facilitator also told us what to expect moving forward and that they're hoping to hold the online assessment centre before Christmas. So still lots of time to go.

I hope everyone else did well with the test and have progessed to the next stage.

Thanks for letting me know, and best of luck to both of you! Hopefully it's not too far in the future for me.

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Hi I am doing the interrrupt test in a few weeks, pretty nervous about it.

Assessment centre
 

Is anyone else booked in to do the assessment centre next week? I'm Thursday 3rd Nov at midday.
Good luck if you are

Assessment Centre
 

Hey Haylsa!

I’m booked in for the same time slot (1pm if you’re in Sydney or Melbourne). Congrats on making it this far and best of luck for the day!

Haylsa and Sketchy06, now that you guys would have finished, how did you guys go? I felt like I did well on the 1st exercise of the day, and the 1st part of the interview, but my behavioural interview was not so great. But hey, I made it through this far, so that's nothing to be ashamed of. If you guys let me know when you get something back, I'll do the same. In my session they said a few business days, so I'm thinking ~ Monday/Tuesday. My fingers are crossed for both of you!

Hey Exiflame!

I think I did pretty well. I mean, I think I did my best on both sections but whether that’s enough to make it through… I’m not sure. The biggest thing that hit me straight away in the group task was that everyone there was exceptional, and I’d be really happy for anyone in my group that made it through.

In the interview, the people that took me through it were really cool so it felt far more like a conversation than an interrogation which was nice. And don’t stress, I’m sure you did better than you initially thought. What’s done is done - don’t overthink it!

There’s no prize for second place, and I’ve never been one to take much solace from just getting close to something I’m striving for, but after meeting the group of people I was in with today, it really is an achievement to make it to that stage. I was told a maximum of 2 weeks to hear back but obviously if it is a few business days, that would be ideal.

Let me know how you go! I’m pulling for ya!

Assessment centre
 

Hi Exiflame,

I was the opposite. Not a fan of the group exercise but was really able to show myself during the individual session. They also advised it'd be a week before hearing anything. I'm trying to stay positive 🙂
They said that the March 2023 training school is full so it will be after that if we make it. Hopefully there's one shortly after that 🤞 I'm so ready to get started!
Good luck!!

Yeah I heard the same Haylsa, and that no Tower courses are planned for a while. Looking back on it, I'd be pretty surprised if I made it through to references. My behavioural situations weren't bad, it was just my delivery that was all over the shop. Completely different to my prerecorded interview, I think it was just nerves on the day. Oh well, no matter what happens it was a fun day and I've really enjoyed going through the process! From what I gathered there's 12 slots open in the course, and around 24 people were put through the assessment centre all up for this round, although I can't speak to their selection process / chances of making it through.

For those following, I just got an email requesting I submit referees. Fingers crossed you guys get the same news shortly!!

Me too!! Congratulations
I'm so excited 😊 (BTW which one were you in the assessment? It's obvious who I am 👗 🤣)

Good news here as well, congrats to both of you!

G'day all,

I've been going through the application process since about April this year. Got through all the testing up to and including the group day on the 14th Sep.
Reference checks have been done and met the requirements to date, and as of 04th October I've been told Airservices are now finalising the dates for training next year and my application is pending that! Anyone have any insight if there are any further steps or am I now awaiting an invite to commence the role subject to medical and security checks?
Good luck to all who have just submitted their referee's recently as per the thread!

After reference checks were completed the next I heard from Airservices was a phone call with the conditional job offer.