From what I gather from my friends and class mates who have passed through GECAT, GECAT have a 100% placement record; providing you pass the course, that bit is up to you. They have been placed with an airline either before they start or within 2 -6 months. It is the only company I would seriously consider doing a type rating with, but thats because I know what the job prospects are after completing the course from my friends experiences, go with the company you know. I start an a320 type rating with GECAT in February.
My friends and class mates now work for, bmi, Thomas Cook, Easy Jet, Air Malta.
Current price is £500 for a sim assessment. 200 pounds refundable on payment for type rating.
Type rating £17800 two weeks ground school and 11 4 hours sim slots (might be 11 3 hour slots cant remember)
Base training £4800 but often paid for by airline.
And you start with the airlines in question with no bond and DEP money.
I don't think the 150 hours makes too much difference, its still not 500 hours. and Alteon/Mytravel your limited to that one airline.