How about keeping all the current crop of trainers on the payroll, but only paying a retainer based on level of rating held, plus a lump sum payment every time a training flight or sim session is undertaken.
This way a broad spectrum of experience and licences is retained, and the final annual cost to the company shouldn't be too much different.
Of course if the company are looking to REDUCE the training costs then a number will have to go, and those remaining work harder !
I don't doubt the company would dearly like to offload those higher paid manager/trainers who haven't been near a simulator in years, and as for line training, forget it.
In my company (Middle Eastern), training positions have always been seen as a perk for managers nearing retirement, a means to boost the pension in the last few years. That way you don't have to actually put the effort in for years on end, but are able to commute a decent lump sum from the pension scheme as they kiss goodbye.
A cynical view I appreciate, but borne from experience.
