Hi pdn83,
I applied for the CTC Wings Cadet scheme a while ago now, passed everything with flying colours (That being; Group interview, PILAPT, Maths exam) except from the "personal interview" at the end. Following feedback from the recruitment team, they said I couldn't provide enough detailed evidence of working under pressure, achieving goals...etc.
After challenging them on the fact that I'm only 20 years old, and haven't accumulated a massive amount of life experience to backup the questions they asked, they still weren't budging, however from the start they were very happy to offer me the iCP, which I have taken.
As a result of not getting through the final interview stage, the ONLY reason they can't offer you Wings Cadet status is because you are a 'risk' to their company and therefore they are not in a position to offer you the £40,000 bond protection seen on the Cadet course.
Following a lot of discussion with CTC, and personal research, CTC clarified to me that the only difference between the Cadet course and iCP is the bond protection and included AQC course at the end of the Intermediate stage.
From my point of view, If you've gotten through CTC's extremely tough selection and are truly passionate about achieving your dream, then I see no reason why the iCP course is being scrutinized.
If you complete the iCP to CTC's satisfactory standards then you are eligible to apply for the ATP course, where by on acceptance you are in the EXACT same boat as the cadet's, with the exact same chance of employment through their partner airlines.
Regards