pilotchute
You may find that the 'recent contract' you allude to - ie, a company not being able to crew from within its' own staff, was actually a low level survey that required several hundred hours minimum low level, plus 1500TT. As you'd appreciate, it's easy to do a low level training course, even an ag2 if you have the $$$ - but it's another thing to get that 1st gig in order to gain the experience you need for some of these contract jobs. Like it or not - for contract work - the customer is always right!
happy days,