I read that Flyer column each month. It is begining to read like a stuck record sounds. The problem with journalists is that they need to have words to fill a column and this one chooses to bang on about how good the GAPAN tests are and how short the sector will be of trained pilots. His column wouldn't last long if he said there's no point and it takes much more effort to tackle the serious issues of funding, type ratings, presentation, choosing courses, age, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc.
One fundemental problem I have with this guy is he promotes the GAPAN test but does not seem to understand it. It does not, as he suggested, show suitability to be an airline pilot. It provides and indication that you may or may not struggle with flight training, especially the IR. It has nothing to do with personality, attitude or compatibility with the job as a whole. You may sail through GAPAN and your trainining but never pass an interview.
In fact, a quick bit of jiggery-pokery with google and "Peter Moxham of the European Association of Airline Pilots Schools." Not exactly somebody who is going to say "Keep your money in the bank" is he?