Virgin Blue Pilots have to pay for their 73 endorsements and they pay off the debt gradually.
This should not happen but PILOTs allow it to (Jetstar also does this with Tiger requiring you have the endorsement before starting). There are a number of operators who do not require this and pay for your training.
Also to fly a Chieftain, you require 50 command or ICUS hours to hire or fly one in command
This is not required by law and is a flexible insurance requirement, there are ways around it if you know how.
In addition, some of us who want to gain or consolidate some valuable IFR and/ or night IFR experience or currency and we have an excellent opportunity to do it at a reasonable rate, by doing the night IFR ICUS.
Why? If you work for said companies they should have a training program to familiarise pilots with the operation.
$120 per hour for night IFR ICUS experience in a Chieftain compared to around $500 for IFR training or flying in a Seminole and what would you choose.
Neither, I would get a job that pays me to fly, and I did. If you actually put in some effort the work is out there.
Also, TASAIR, who operate from Tasmania offering the $120 ICUS is at least half the rate of the Tasfast rate who operate out of Moorabbin.
So they are undercutting each other? The pilot is still out of pocket.
The other point I wish to make is that by carrying the pilot conducting the ICUS means that the payload may be reduced, thus reducing the return they may be making on the cargo run anyway.
Most times the ICUS pilot is off-loaded before freight, showing what you are worth to the operator.
As has been said before paying an operator for your training reduces your value. They will just replace you with the next person willing to do it, the cost to the operator to replace you is zero, they even make money off new starts.