, Steve, is it all over?

Hey guys, i just failed the online test and im about to get some feedback soon. Just wanted a few questions i could ask that will help me for next time. As i understand it, you only get two chances and you have to wait one year before trying again, is this correct?

I didn't think there was feedback available if you failed the online tests... hmmm.. I guess they can tell you which ones you failed... Like the math or the reading comprehension.... Well good luck with it.

Thacow:
Speaking as someone who found the online tests easier than some of the training, are you really sure you want to try again. Depending on what part you failed, it's probably a good indication that you won't get through the course.

Missy:
Yep, I left the academy about two and a half weeks ago and am back in Brisbane.

Thacow: Good on you for seeking some feedback, it can only help and hopefully give you something to focus on. I'm pretty certain you can only apply twice with a year in between. Good luck for next time.

Steve: Please don't take this the wrong way but, trying to dissuade someone from trying again just because they didn't make it first time is a bit out of order. It sounded a bit like "If I can't do it, you can't do it".

I'm hopeful that this wasn't your intention though

Without sounding arrogant, I have to agree with Steve - the tests are hard for a reason.

I'm only in week 3 of training, but there's no doubt that it's hard bloody work alright.

Not just THE content (everyone can learn stuff) but the AMOUNT of content and the depth to which you need to know it, could be quite overwhelming if you don't have an inbuilt solid base to start with.

The online tests are repeated at the Assessment day - some say they're harder, I thought they were easier because I didn't have a calculator for the online tests - but they are much of same only more and at a faster pace.

Personally I'd find it hard if I waited a year, got through the online testing then didn't make it through the assessment - but that's just my two cents worth, take it for what it is, and good luck with whatever you decide.

How's the weather up there Steve?! :ok:

Weather in South East QLD, great one day better the next.

What challenges have you come across and any tips for the first couple of weeks?

What he said :ok:

Just to add to what j-mo said. I reckon it cost my wife and I well over $4k in removal costs, buying stuff we needed in Melbourne, etc. I'm not trying to put people off, far from it, but there are a lot of people that have no concept of just how hard a job it is. I equate them to the people that audition for idol thinking they have talent.

I encourage anyone that's fallen at the assessment day hurdle to try again, I'd even encourage old farts like me to give it a try, just be aware of what you're getting yourself into and don't ignore the advice of those on here that have been through it all.

Do I regret the experience? Hell no! I met a great bunch of people at the academy and not all of them were fellow trainees. It's the best job I've ever had, I just didn't have what it took to keep it, and that's the case for a lot of people that make it through the selection process.

Medical Certificate
 

Hey folks – first let me say how helpful this thread has been! So much great info about what to expect during the hiring process.

I'm just going through that process at the moment, I have the phone interview booked in next week so I still have a ways to go, but I'm wondering anyone knows if it's possible/worth it to start the CASA medical certificate before getting an offer, particularly if it can take a while to get sorted out?

Hey Alatron,

I would recommend waiting to see how you go with the assessment day as the medical is a large expense. My medical was delayed because my dame forgot to stamp the paperwork.
Most medicals as long as the paperwork is correct get processed quickly.

And by large expense, he means > $500 :ooh:

My first few weeks have been great. So far, my group seem to gel together really well - which we've been told is good, statistically. ;)

"Those that play together stay together."

We can have a good laugh, bounce ideas off each other and say what we're thinking without being judged or ridiculed. Yet :E

The only tip I would give is "worry not about the things you can't control, and work your hardest to do best at the things you can". :ok:

Thanks for the info – that's about as pricey as I suspected it might be. Now just to keep waiting... oh the waiting!

waiting
 

Enjoy waiting Alatron... It's what it's all about.. I waited almost 2 months after the online tests to do the phone interview.. Then only the weekend to find out about the assessment day the following week... But now been over 4 weeks since the assessment day and expect to be waiting up to another 4 weeks probably... Hang in there and good luck!

Melbourne Suburbs/Transport (Near ATC learning academy)
 

Hi,

Just wanted to ask for those already down in melbourne or heading to melbourne atc learning academy.

What are some of the good suburbs to rent near around the airport or college area.

Also does anyone not drive to the college.

Anyone get to the college without driving and if so how.

I'd be interested in your feedback on those two areas: suburb and getting to the college while living down there.

Any help be apreciated.
Thanks

Melboune Suburbs
 

So what are the following suburbs like in Melb:
Taylors Hill
Tullamarine
Keilor Park
Airport West
Keilow Downs

Any feedback be greatly appreciated

Thanks

Hi atc2020,

The only way to get to the college without driving is to live close enough that you can ride to work, which a couple of people did when I was down there. Unsure of which are the best suburbs for this however.

I lived in Taylors Hill, which was a nice 20-25 minute drive to work, and on the plus side, there is a route which does not take any of the freeways, etc and therefore was pretty consistent time wise. Last I heard, my old house mate is looking for someone to live in the spare room, he posted about it on the page before this one in this thread. His username is Kieran17.

Seriously, if ATC2020 can't even be bothered to read this thread about 4 pages back, he or she is not even going to get through the theory part of the training.:ugh:

Suburbs
 

atc2020, I lived in Coburg when at the college which was pretty decent, I don't think it ever took me longer than 20 minutes to drive to work and it was convenient for the city too for any time off you get. Pricewise it's probably a touch dearer though.

The advice that everyone will agree with is stay well away from Broadmeadows and Westmeadows to a lesser extent.

Regards,

Spanks

Applying for ASA
 

Hi guys;

I am an experienced ATCO, former TWR and Radar APP Supervisor. Being 44 years old I am considering to leave Europe and give it a try downunder as ASA recently opened positions for experienced ATCOs in Perth and Sydney (both in TWR and APP)...

As you can easily understand if you read the above posts I am a bit worried as it looks like ASA is going through tough times.

Why is ASA opening positions for foreign, qualified ATCOS?!?
Is ASA expected to be a private company in the future?

If I manage to be sucessfull and join the company will I be an ATCO just like all my other (possible) future Aussie mates? Same pay, same overall job conditions?!?

If I do apply, will I be "playing along" some "anti- Aussie-ATCO game"?!?
Hope you understand me...
I will go if prospects are good (both for me, my family and "Aussie ATCOs").

I apologize if my post is out of the context here but so far I did not find a better place to place this message. Any feedback would be much appreciated as I do need to think this process carefully...
Thks a lot for your patience and consideration http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/sr...ies/thumbs.gif

The big tip is get settled before you start, don't rock up the weekend before and then spend the first fortnight trying to study/find somewhere to live/move/shop.
An allowance is paid, arrive a week before and use the time to find something, settle in, know where to shop, drive to work to check it all out, find a doctor, find a chemist, etc.