"However, now it has all changed with Thales running most of the sims and BWoS a few and they can draw their instructors from ex-aircrew and instructors on type, usually with loads of experience and approaching retirement."
For the right price, terms and conditions, of course.... It sounds as though qualified instructors will be in considerable demand; best offer some decent salaries then, Thales and BWoS!
I used to get rather annoyed at having to 'unteach' some of the unofficial simulator flying training given by unqualified personnel to students on the course when they started using it as a very expensive CAI tool!