I have just got off the 'phone after talking to one of the 'movers and shakers' in this scheme, from the McAlpine side of things. This is a guy I've known for 25 years, and I trust his judgement and word. My overall impression is that this is a very worthwhile scheme, and by far the most significant development on the 'Wannabes' front for some considerable time. If you are a Wannabe, and aren't already well into your training, then
you should be looking very closely at this.
Firstly, this scheme is not limited to EasyJet, though they are the launch customer for it. EZ will be putting 24 cadets into the course in 2003, JMC will be putting 4 in. There are 6 places
a month available, ie 72 a year, at present. While other airlines are likely to get involved, there are individual places available right now for those who are prepared to take the calculated risk that they
could find themselves graduating with no job. In that case, I understand that CTC-McAlpine would continue to 'hold-pool' you until you were placed with an employer - and you would not be faced with instantly repaying your loan on graduation.
For those who haven't checked out the CTC-McAlpine website (
www.ctc-mcalpine.com), this scheme is rather different from any other training set up. Firstly, the airlines are the customers, not the students. The airline contracts with CTC-McAlpine for a given number of line-ready pilots at a pre-defined cost (which is a lot more than your bond!), and to be delivered at a pre-defined date. Those airlines can either use their own recruiting system, or can rely on CTC-McAlpine's selection procedure. That means that this scheme can absorb students who are not sponsored at entry, but may become so during their training.
Of course, no student is
guaranteed employment on graduation - as the BA Cadets discovered last year - but the nature of this course is such that it's unlikely that any graduate would remain unemployed for long, given reasonable market conditions. By 'the nature of this course' I mean that the course has apparently been developed to more closely reflect the demands of current civil airline practice right from Day 1 - and it goes right to the end of line training on type. I don't want to start an argument with the staffs of BAe or OAT, however, so I can't comment on whether the content of the course is better or worse than anyone else's.
Anyone can apply for the course, but older and more experienced candidates are probably less likely to be selected. That doesn't mean that you can't apply, nor that you won't be selected, however! I understand that there are procedures in place to adapt the course for successful candidates who have some experience. For those applying for the EZ scheme, the age limit
on application is 25 years, 11 months, 30 days. For JMC, it is a year older. For non-airline-sponsored students, there is no official age limit, I gather; each candidate would be assessed on their merits. Bear in mind that CTC-McAlpine will have to sell you to an airline before you graduate, and you'll understand why I believe that older candidates are less likely to be selected. i may be wrong, however.
I've suggested that CTC-McAlpine open a questions e-mail link on their website, and that they then post a FAQ page once the typical questions become clear.
Look very carefully and consider all your alternatives, but don't dismiss this scheme quickly! Applications will only be taken via the website, from 2nd December 2002, and I understand that courses begin in February 2003.
Lastly (having read through this post!) I should emphasise that I have no connection with CTC-McAlpine, EasyJet, JMC or any other involved organisation!!
Edit for more age info
Ok. a little more info on the age thing:
EZ: 19 to less than 26 at application;
JMC: 19 to less than 27 at application;
direct applicants to CTC-McAlpine: 19 to less than 26 at application. There may be scope for flexibility as other airlines get on board.