I thought of it more like uni tutorials. You won't be just sitting there listening to an instructor rambling on. There are three two-hour classes per day, but you'll also have the occasional field trip.

No homework or assignments, but you will need to study.

They're a mix of multiple choice and written. The pass mark is 70%, although I seem to remember a couple of them might have required 80% There's at least one, quite often two, exams per week once you get past induction.

It was when I was there a year ago.

I was averaging about 2 to 3 hours per night, especially before an exam, and also studying on weekends. My average mark throughout the theory component was about 90%

I left the academy almost a year ago, so some things may have changed since then. I'm one of the old farts that didn't make it through the sim part of the course.

Hi All,

I'm scheduled to attend the full day assessment at the Melbourne centre on the 16th of August. Is there anyone else who has it on the same day?

I wanted to know a few things that have been at the back of my head since the beginning of the assessments. As I understand the entire duration of the course is the probation period, where a candidate's progress to the next stage of training is dependent on them passing the evaluations and exams that keep taking place. The 5-year bond though, commences once a trainee finishes off the full training and starts off as a controller at their assigned location. However, if one hypothetically does not manage to achieve the required standards during the training period, how does it work then?

- Are a fixed number of chances given to the individual to improve?
- Are any additional lessons or additional assistance provided to them to help them achieve the required standards?
- If the individual is unable to meet the standards, do ASA ask them to leave the course?
- If so, can one apply after 12 months, or is that exit for good?
- In the case of such an exit, is the trainee liable to pay any penalty to ASA?

I apologise if these questions sound inane, but I really do want to know this before I get into the deep end.

No rating, no bond. It's not aimed at cost recovery but as a disincentive to leaving for greener pastures overseas before your five years are up. If you are terminated (or leave of your own volition) during the training there is no financial penalty.

There is also a probation period after gaining the initial rating.

If you fail to meet the standards you could be terminated or you could be re-coursed (starting again on a subsequent course).

Basically you need to pass each phase of training to proceed - you have an exam, a supplementary if required and failing that means you're shown the door. Resources and time are limited so there is scope for some additional assistance but not a huge amount.

Sorry, don't know about coming back for a second bite.

EDIT: incorrect information

These figures may be slightly out of date, but as far as I know, a bit over 1% of applicants for the job actually make it though to the academy.

Once again, the my info may be slightly out of date, but the pass mark was 70%. Out in the field, it's 80%, and I do remember there were discussions for a push towards making the pass mark at the academy 80% to align it with the field.

Wrong, less than 80% is a fail, more than 80% but less than 100% is a provincial pass, you MUST get 100% by what is called "oral top-up". You will be shown your incorrect responses/answers and must explain the correct response/answers.

I stand corrected; *looks at ATS-MAN-0015*.
The overall pass is 100%, minimum acceptable initial response is 80%.

Next phase on the 2013/2014 ATC Controller applications
 

Good day,

Just wanted to know if there is any helpful info on the telephone interview and type of Sim scenarios that we go through. I have mine coming up on Tuesday. About as ready as can be. Hitting the books, internet as hard as I can to try to get a better understanding of it all. Any help appreciated. Also would like to know if there are any other forums on the 2013/14 intake. This one used to be very lively with the potential candidates exchanging ideas and hype. Seems to have fizzled out a bit. Hopefully will pick up again.

Thanks in advance.

Really need a sticky topic on this alone since it gets asked every 2 weeks

I tried to get a mod to sticky my FAQ but got no response from the mods. I kinda lost interest in it after that.

Put it up as a new thread Will, they might do it then, especially if everyone adds comments in support.

Ok, there are 7 in total on my course starting Tuesday, thank goodness I'm not the only girl on my course!
If my classmates happen to be reading this , I look forward to meeting you all next week!

Ruth, good luck, remember, work together as a team as all can pass and conversely all can fail. There is no quota, it is based on meeting (and hopefully exceeding) the minimum standard.

Hi Ruth!

I'll be in your class. I'm glad I'm not the only woman.
Looking forward to meeting you!

Carolyn.

Good luck Ruth! Let us know how you get on!

I'm currently sitting post-assessment day, waiting for a response. About two weeks past and I'm hoping it won't be too many more. Is that response a call or email?

Sidney, it took about 3-4 weeks for me to hear back after my assessment day. I got a call to say that they were getting in contact with my references. Good luck!

Watermelon, good luck! Hopefully it will come through ASAP! I managed to get mine done in a few days. There's only 7 in the course (it looks as though someone has dropped out) so I'm sure everyone's hoping to get you in!

I haven't heard about the next Brisbane course, sorry. Good luck, and hopefully see you on the 8th!

I have my assessment day in Melbourne on the 16th of this month. Anyone here who I might meet there?

To all those whose course begins soon, good luck and try to keep us posted about how it goes! :ok:

Re:Next Brisbane Course
 

Hi all,

The next Brisbane course ( after AB88 which starts next Tuesday) won't be until the about June/ July next year.

Good luck to you girls and guys starting next week in BN.

Thank you to everyone who has posted in this forum, it has been really helpful and informative.

Does anyone have any information about the course dates they will be wanting to fill with successful applicants from the upcoming October assessment days in Melbourne?

Hi Watermelon

I would guess public transport use for BN Centre would be effectively zero.

Free / secure parking for your car, motorbike or bicycle and once you've finished you shift (at whatever time of the day or night that ends up to be) you just walk for 2 minutes and you're away.

There is a pathway way to get into the parking area thence into the station - takes probably 10 mins to walk it.

My advice - go with the 4 or 2 wheel options.

Mozz