Thanks for the supportive comments... I want anything that goes ahead to be worthwhile - there's no point in giving 50hrs training towards an ATPL to somebody with a PPL, as although they'd be a step closer, they wouldn't actually have achieved any real goal. Stumping up the money for a full ATPL would only help one person, but it would be a big step forward for that person. Its a difficult decision!
If going down the ATPL route (which is what I've thought about) I would probably only invite applications from people who have done a PPL, and a GAPAN (or equivalent) aptitude test..... do people think this is a fair point of view???