When applying I think people only really need to consider your last paragraph, if you're just in it for the money then I would suggest the go home advice. Personally there's nothing I'd like to do more than get into this scheme and fly for BA. In fact I even turned down the chance to become an accountant as you suggest :P. Besides looking at the supposed pay scale it's not exactly bad, obviously people who qualify for the scheme could do better, but I wouldn't let my wallet dictate my life.