For the interrupt test I got maybe 3-4 wrong that I noticed. I've completed the video interview and it's been almost 2 weeks and haven't heard anything back yet. I'm guessing it takes so long because they have to watch each one and evaluate. It does sound by how many people are at different stages that they are trying to test out a lot of people.

Eyes on the sky: the air-traffic controllers watching 11% of the world’s airspace | Air transport | The Guardian
Certainly sounds like AsA is really short of ATC and they're advertising everywhere for trainees, that is if we can pass the tests. 2% passing rate for the online tests and 80% for the academy is lower than I thought....

I'm booked in for my Interrupt test next week. How different is it from the radar test in Stage 2? Just a rough overview of the extra steps involved would help heaps. Just trying to make sure I don't go in completely blind on the test. Any tips from those who have already sat the test would go a long way too. Is it the same test that goes on for the full hour or are there a variety of tests?

Thanks for sharing that article ImGonnaMakeIt. That 2% figure for the online tests is lower that I thought but the 80% pass rate of the course is higher than the 50% number this thread tends to put out there. They've also done a spot on Channel 9 which you can find via the @AirservicesNews Twitter for anyone interested (the forum won't let me link to it).

If the setup is the same as it was a few months ago, it's a Teams call with people from Airservices and half a dozen or so applicants. You all have a chat, you do a practice run, and then you do the actual test with your camera on so they can watch you doing it. The actual test is, from memory, about 15 minutes or so.

The test is another radar simulation-type one, similar but different, and you get 'interrupted' by other tasks, although you have slightly longer to complete them than the maths equations of the earlier round. I found it all quite fun, and from what I've seen, so do most people whether they get through or not.

Do you still get a link to access the test and all participants complete it according to their own pace, or the screen is broadcasted by the Airservices HR and everyone is looking at the same Radar?

When I did it, it was an individual link.

Did the interrupt test today, 1st lot of the day. I think it went pretty well, but with a couple of silly mistakes. Now the anxious wait begins to hear back from them. I've seen on this thread that people have received results from their interrupt tests with 10 or 20 minutes of finishing the test. It's been 5hours so not sure if this is a good or bad sign. Hopefully the good news comes soon. Anxious about the results as I know I got a couple wrong but probably more that I didn't notice.

Done the interrupt test, it definitely felt less hectic compared to radar sim in previous round, though I am aware I made 5~6 mistakes and probably more that I didn't know of, since I didn't make it through to online interview. I guess that is the end of the journey for my ATC dream.

I still have my ARFFS application running though hopefully the aptitude tests for that one is not as demanding :ugh:

That sucks to hear but don't beat yourself up too much about it, ImGonnaMakeIt. I'm sure they mentioned it in the call but you are still well into the top few % just for getting to the Interrupt test so you can still be proud of your performance. Good luck with the ARFFS application and keep pushing yourself.

Still nervously waiting to see if Neil got through...

Sorry you didn't make it through, but hopefully you have a better result with the ARFFS application!

Hi Guys!
I've been lucky enough to make it through to the Interrupt test and totally freaking out!
I'm really nervous as I don't know what to expect at all. I've read back on a few post and havnt been able to find much detail about it.
Im kind of aware its somewhat similar to the radar simulation-type one we did earlier.. I've also read there are some math questions as well as shapes?
If someone who has recently been through it could provide some more detail in what to expect like the type of maths questions, is it game like? Is there much chatting beforehand with the group and assessor?
Any help will be so greatly appreciated :D

Congrats on getting through to the Interrupt test, Jennifer! I'm hesitant to share what the test is like because for all we know it could harm your chances rather than help. What I will say is there is a 7 minute tutorial before the actual test so plenty of time to get settled in what you need to do.

As for the call itself there's basic introductions and a quick brief on both the current test and then next steps if successful. Everyone does the test at the same time with cameras on. Make sure you test your camera, mic, and internet connection well before the call so you don't have to worry about any tech issues and then just buckle down and focus during the test. Good luck!

Oh come on Brucey help a fellow applicant out you tight arse nugget lol :=

Well got an email today saying I've progressed through the video interview and now onto the assessment centre at Sydney Airport. Safe to say I'm surprised I've made it this far but am at the final hurdle and now quite excited. Fingers crossed I make it through, it has been about a 7 month process to get up to this point.

Ooh, is the assessment centre back in person now is it? Hope it all goes smoothly and you get through!

Yeah it's at the Rydges over by the international terminal. Also only a half day, had a choice between morning or midday start. Can't wait to see what it is like on the day.

Yeah back in the pre-covid day it used to be a full(ish) day but included the interrupt test, interview etc. I think the half day works better.

It looks like my cohort of applications just missed the in person assessment centre. Glad I didn't have to make the journey but would have been nice to visit Melbourne centre!

Do I remember correctly that you got an offer exiflame ?

Yep, I'll be starting my Enroute course on the 10th of July. Just working my way through those medical checks at the moment. Did you end up getting a place in the March course?

Nope, I'm 10th of July as well! Already had my medical etc. done, just need to re-do the D&A test since it has to be within 3 months of the start date.

Lucky! If you're ok with me asking, how long did it take for your medical to come back after all your appointments were finished?

I assume if you were on reserve you'd be based in or close to Melbourne?

Hmm... without trawling back through my calendar, I think I had my initial assessment on the 09/01 or so, had my final appointment on 02/02, and the medical came through on 23/03. What mostly annoyed me was that I already had both a current Class 1 and Class 2 medical! Still had to do the class 3 as a new application though. But yeah, 6-8 weeks is not an unreasonable expectation for the length of time it'll take.

Yep, based in Melbourne... I actually applied once before, back in... 2019? Got to the assessment centre, which in those days was on-site, so we got a bit of a tour around the training facilities, saw the sim setup etc. and got to talk to some current controllers at the lunch break. Not the operational area though.

Wow, those must have cost a fortune! At least AsA reimburses us back for the Class 3. All those warnings in the offer letter about Class 3s taking 3 months to return had me a bit worried that I'll miss the proverbial bus. Absolute worst case, I know they're running a September course I could be pushed back onto.

(But here's to hoping that it won't be an issue).

Yeah initial applications are expensive, but renewals are generally much better. Especially if you're younger and have nothing anomalous pop up, 6-8 weeks from your initial appointment is a reasonable timeframe to expect, so hopefully you'll be right!

Hey guys, I'm also commencing training on 10 July. Looking forward to it!

Welcome Sgg!

Looks like your mailbox is full, do you reckon you could remove one of your sent messages to make space?

Very odd how my inbox is full, I just made an account yesterday. It seems like I may not have access to receiving private messages on this forum since my account is so new haha, must be a little probationary period for my account on the forum.

I'm off to the assessment centre in Melbourne in two weeks! The final test awaits. Is anyone else on here going to the Melbourne sessions? When is your assessment day in Sydney, Thelamprun?

Congrats mate! Our day is the 9th of May

Heyo guys!

I’m starting my traineeship shortly and I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on what hours the course runs. Is it a 9-5 Monday to Friday deal? Are there half days and things of that sort?

Any insight would be much appreciated 🙏

Hey Sketchy,

I believe it may be 7am-2pm Monday to Friday, but I could be wrong

I'm also heading over to the Melbourne assessment centre in the same week! Absolutely stoked to have made it this far :O

Hey Sketchy,

Of course I'm in the same boat as you, but from what I've read the course runs 9-5 for the first bit until you reach the simulators, then each course is timetabled with either a morning shift (7-3) or afternoon shift (9-5). This is done to basically maximise time in the sim - this being the main bottleneck for pushing trainees through. Of course, this is pretty much hearsay, so I'd love it if an actual controller / trainee could correct me! 😊

As for half days, I've heard it isn't uncommon to be let out an hour or two early, but excluding the Christmas shutdown and when we have the cockpit work experience thingy I assume that'll be it.

Oh and best of luck to you guys in the Assessment Centre!

Hey exiflame, that definitely makes a lot more sense. Do you happen to know how long the Christmas shutdown is?

Oh yeah also, I still seem to be in the probationary period for my account and still can't see your private message, I'm not sure whether it's a matter of time or whether I need to post more to lift the probation.

Good luck to everyone participating in the Assessment Centre next month

Appreciate the time and response as always, Sgg and Exiflame! 🫡 🙏

I am retired, but as a guess I would say Xmas shutdown this year will be from 23 Dec to 1 Jan inclusive. You get the public holidays off, and the rest are taken as rec leave. They often include a "bonus" public holiday which cuts down on the rec leave required to be taken. It used to be, they couldn't force you to take rec leave, (this may have changed), so you just turned up on those days and did whatever (study, centre visit)

Hey can anyone help me find the right number to call to organize a tower/terminal visit (based in Sydney). I have assessment day booked for next week. I tried calling ASA on 1300 301 120 but the guy on the phone said he couldn't help and directed me to email avrecruit instead. Thanks in advance

Hi rmak. I'm not sure if this would be any help, but from what I've seen it's pretty much impossible to get a tower/centre visit without knowing someone on the inside. But otherwise, I reckon that email would be your best bet. If it's any consolation, I and I'm sure many others, didn't have a visit before their assessment centre. Irregardless, best of luck with your assessment centre!