Pardon my insensitivity, but on my graduation from high school I went to work as a labourer, and then spent the next decade working 2-3 jobs to eventually fund a career in flying. No overseas jaunts for me as a teenager!
I hope the Cadetship and subsequent career with Qantas is all you hoped it would be flyhigh744. As for your mate, most here will probably find it difficult to sleep knowing he's been gutted, but if he really want's a career in flying he'll do it. Just maybe though he'll have to spend a little more time and sacrifice to get there. Unless of course he's still interested in shortcuts, Jetstar will probably be the only Qantas group of companies taking on Cadets for the forseable future. Pity about the pay and conditions though.
Mmm...? On the other hand, I think Cactusjack is probably right.