I dont wish to hijack the thread here chaps gut G-OOFY has raised a question in his text, probably without realising it!
I also understand employees are expected to pay for their own type ratings.
Now, this concern has reared it's head before and now begs the question, will one day all / majority of airlines resort to making pilots pay for their own type courses?
The constraints being put on airline management to reduce the operating costs coupled with the shortage of employment since the downsize post last Sept, must set the the big guns into thinking that they can reduce costs dramatically by; Letting people prove that they want to work for us, effectively geting the cream of the crop for the cheapest price.
Very interesting if I may say so myself!