mech500;
Of course not everyone has the money to obtain a CPL/IR up front. (Costs can vary depending on route taken). However what we are trying to say is when an airline is recruiting at the "lower end" of the experience spectrum, they can choose:
* A zero hour cadet and a bill for £80k+ or
* A CPL/IR qualified pilot with 200 hrs minimum. There are issues of course regarding bad habits and so a course to provide some sort of revision or adaptation to the company procedures would cost considerably less than training a new student. The time also would be reduced. (13 months compared to a 2-3 months).
Of course there are many wannabe pilots who would want to get that first step on the ladder with a cadet position. Not many airlines are offering such an opportunity either.