thanks for the responses gents.
I have a few years before I'm in a position to apply so hopefully by then they'll have realised that if you can describe the difference between pitchlock and NTS you should be able to get your head around most things!
for all the whingeing about EK on this site, it does still seem to be one of the better airlines when it comes to looking after their people and if they keep acquiring new jets at the indicated rate I reckon they'll have to cast the net wider..