Actually that channel exists since before WW II. It is nothing new and some, mostly state or flag carriers, have done it allways that way. But even there you have to pay back some of the training cost nowadays, however the job security going through company training from day 1 on their expenses until you earn money doing the job you were hired for initially and then repay them is the best you will find in the industry. Therefore i would second
PS: As a cadet for a certain airline, he should be damned graetful he is one, should put his head down and make the best of an opportunity for which many would willingly assassinate him.