No it is not a requirement to have the endorsement before you apply. It is however required before you can be employed by Qlink.
It works like this:
on successful completion of the interview process you are offered a position with the company pending a Dash8 endorsement in your log book.
they will then offer you a position on the ground course for $10,000AUD (which you must produce in full on day one) and once you pass that sucessfully you will commence employement with the company.
For most guys this means resigning from your current job, getting yourself to sydney and organising meals and accomodation for approximately 5-7 weeks (typical time for ground course and sim training). This is all at your own
expense mind you and it is becoming less attractive as the pilot shortage deepens.
Still a great company though, with great standards. Just ask
VB and J* as it appears they are very fond of the product that Qlink are producing!!