Quality, not the ability to pay was the key. Selection based on suitability and merit, not bank balance.
I think if this 'sponsorship' does require the cadet to take out a loan of +80k like other such schemes, it is not going to be available to everyone. People like myself for example, who:
a) My mum rents our house, so loan can't be secured.
b) My dad lives with a new partner in her house, don't need to explain why I can't secure a loan here.
c) I don't own any property to secure a loan against.
And...
d) I don't want to put other peoples livelyhoods at risk. I live with my brothers and sisters, my grandparents are living retirment to full travelling the world etc etc. Why should I risk making them homeless or stamp on their dreams and aspirations because I want to fly a shiny jet! (Point D is of course a personal opinion
!)
In short, I can't get a loan. No loan means no 'sponsorship'.
Craigyd