I have a close relative who went to FTE. Self sponsored. Crashed and burned (metaphorically!) in his first PTs. Ended up being recoursed. Knuckled down, grew up, realised the work involved and smashed his exams second time around. Took to the actual flying like a duck to water. Got a job offer within a month of graduating. Two years later, 1500 hours on 737. Latest sim check captain (known to be a tough cookie) said he could see command potential in him. Lad is still in his very early 20s.
Ironically, in his group of mates at FTE, there was another pupil, late 20s, degree in aeronautical engineering. First time exam passes. Graduated at the same time. Still looking for that first break two years later.
Luck or what?