It took about 6 years because whilst training, I also had a very good paying job which I also used for networking. I was not prepared to give that up at the risk of loosing the ability to make good contacts on the inside.
I also could not afford to give up work and go full time as I had other responsibility's such as my wife and daughter to also think about.
It took 18 months from getting IR to starting the type rating for the job I now have.