Hi TheBeak,
No change to the contract - CTC training contract includes 6 months line experience with an airline -
AFAIK this hasn't changed for the guys who are just starting the course now.
Trainees can't (or don't need to) reclaim the cost of VAT on the type rating because the type rating is not paid for in contracted terms - it is part of the sponsorship contract which covers the 6 months line training.
Would be lovely to have the VAT back... more worried about getting the type rating first though
Cheers
AD