Hey cloud-surfer,
Here's my input:
1. How would current and past students rate their quality of training?
Past student and would definitely recommend GECAT. Most of the training is provided through a third party called IAGO. They have a great bunch of guys that seen me through.
2. How long did it take for students to gain their first position?
I know of 9 guys (including myself) that now have jobs. This is only based on the guys that I trained with and the ones I now work beside. We started the SSTR in November/December and most are already on-line with uk airlines.
3. Was this through GECAT or by your/their own perseverance?
All the guys I know (myself included) got the job through own perseverance
4. Anything else that you think that i should know before I embark upon the course?
At the end of the day it is still a risk. My success story, along with the other guys, may well be a one off. For me it was definitely worth while and I'm not looking back
There is a lot of movement at the moment but who knows what that will be like when you complete your training. I am sure it will stay that way for a while to come.
Hope that helps a little,
Cheers.