I worked to save up then went modular full time and got it done in 15 months. At the time I finished my training Ryanair's scheme was 5k upfront pay (did not pass the assessment) and the rest bonded. My current employer pays for the type rating, but I was rated when I joined as I had another job lined up in my home country. Hopefully the previous scheme one day will come back.
It was my decision to do my training full time, but modular training allows you to work and keep your job and mange your training pace as it best suits you.