UKV, I know of guys who have done type rating courses within that first years civil experience, sent basic application off with type rating course + experience and been certifying on type 3 weeks later...
It all depends on the quantity (and maybe quality) of the civil experience logsheets you send to the CAA. (Plus some other bits of 'playing the game')
PM me if you like, as we are drifting from the OPs topic somewhat.
Getting back on topic, what date is the announcement due to be made?
22nd Jan or 28th?