In addition to the Bears words: once you have passed your rating exams & have your student licence, you will need to commence unit training within 6 months, or will need to undertake an APC (Assessment of Prior Competence) at your own cost. This is likely to involve a written theory test, a practical assessment & an oral board, or verbal assessment, all to ensure you are still at the minimum rating standard: therefore without the assurance of stepping straight into a unit & onto their training plan asap you may well be flushing money down the loo.
Get the job, then get the training, is my advice.
