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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Hey guys,

Completed my onlines and passed my telephone interview. In the telephone interview I was advised that the next screening day was in May in Melbourne. I forgot to ask when in May. Does anyone know roughly when in May it is? Early/late?

Fingers crossed for all
J

Big thank you to the Melbourne ATC's I met yesterday. You were so generous with your time and patience in answering my questions and I am very grateful.

I am also going to an assessment day in May but have not been given an exact date yet. Really looking forward to it.

Hey, how did you arrange to meet the ATCs?

I believe you just ring up airservices, not sure which number though. Ive been meaning to do that.

I was told in my phone interview the next assessment day was in april and then another in may, so maybe the april one is now full. Im waiting on an exact date as well, sooner the better though because I have to book a flight down to melbourne.

Should I try and arrange a visit to a tower before the assessment day or before the panel interview?

I thought they were on the same day??

Are they? I guess that makes sense. For some reason I thought the panel came after and on another day.

I think so, at least thats the way I understand it looking at thier website/ reading this forum. I hope its the same day anyway, if they are both in melbourne on seperate days thats 2 lots of airfares I have to pay for.

I organised the visit by calling ASA direct and they put me through to the right person in Melb.

Do your visit asap, it will give you heaps to think about and give you a chance to ask all the questions you may have.

Did you just ring the number on their webiste? 1800 026 147?