See the question that contacttower has asked.
I believe that the definition of ‘cadet’ will be someone who has already got their MEIR.
In the past Thomson have run ab-initio schemes with the likes of OAA and they have also employed OAA graduates as non rated cadets.
Late last year there was talk on these forums about Thomson opening up future cadet schemes to people who already have their MEIR regardless what school they went to and whether they were modular or integrated.
However this will not stop the FTE/ CTC/ OAA recruitment machines from going into a frenzy and trying to force their product onto Thomson.
Hopefully Thomson will resist the pressure and give all candidates a fair chance and offer contracts to those that are the best fit for the job.