DSJ is right flyhard', we're all just "applicants" to whatever scheme the various airlines decide is best for their pilot recruitment. The Cadets, or should I say potential Cadets are merely responding to Jetstar's invite.
The interesting thing of course, will be if it actually does anything to mitigate Jetstar's future crewing issues. My bet is no, not by a long shot. They'll always need at the very least a mix of direct entry experienced guys /girls as well. Qantas know this, and that's why they employ the way they do.
The REX cadet scheme is a case in point. 12 months ago they closed the door to direct entry candidates, and proudly proclaimed that Cadets were the way of the future. Recently (very recently) they flung the doors open to direct entry in response to a rapidly increasing shortage of Captains. Sound familiar? Chr!st Almightly, talk about Re-active rather than Pro-active! But that's the way these people are. The only long term solution to the ongoing rollercoaster of crewing crisis's of course if the improvement of pilot's wages and conditions. Something that airline management will have to be dragged kicking and screaming to.
As far as the Jetstar Cadet scheme is concerned, it was probably instigated by some Pinhead Manager/Accountant type with absolutely no idea what it is like to become and remain a professional pilot. As it probably looks Dynamite on paper, the equally Pinhead/Accountant type guys running the show, paid this clown his short term bonus, and now look set to run with it.
Interesting times ahead.