You cannot escape the fact Monarch are an Operator that lots of people would like to work for. But I feel this particular discussion is in its right place. As it is clear it is taking place at Monarch.
Yes, that is correct, but Monarch would make no apology for their cadet recruitment, as it has served them very well. They have been recruiting cadets for a long time and many of those ex-cadets are now training captains and hold management positions within the company. Monarch treat their cadets very well and as already exemplified most of those cadets establish themselves in good career paths within the airline.
the percentage of guys from CTC/OAA with no experience of commercial/military flying going straight into the plumb jobs in the UK does tend to grate especially when there are so many suitable people out there who have worked through various stages of their Airline development path with experience/life skills/good flying records/balanced personalities banging on the door of not just this particular airline but of the others as well.
Not forgetting that almost all of the selected cadets are considered "suitable people" for the steep and demanding learning curve that is expected of them. They also have "balanced personalities" and good interpersonal skills with strong (CRM) non-technical qualities that were an ingrained part of their training courses. "Life experience" is one of those abstract terms that people often use to mean anything they want it to mean. All of the cadet pilots bring similar and individual life experience in much the same measure as anyone else of their respective age group and spectrum. Cadet pilots are usually fast learning individuals who are a pleasure to work with. Most line captains enjoy being a part of the cadets continuation training and development process, and it is a very positive and rewarding part of working here.
This is a company that has and does value quality and loyalty. It has never had any problem in attracting applicants with a high degree of both. That holds true for cadets, ex-military pilots, and pilots from other companies. On that score, and given the balanced nature of the recruitment portfolio, it has nothing to apologise for. Experience, although not in isolation, is valued. However, cadets with a lack of flying experience are also valued for the demonstrable qualities they bring to the game. All cadets are subject to a 6-8 month probationary period upon placement. At the end of that period and subject to vacancies being available, and a high level of demonstrated attainment and progress, almost all are offered contracts of employment.
Generally speaking, two of the three recruitment sources are firmly targeted at the "experienced pilot" market. Terms, conditions and career prospects are good by industry standards, and that is always going to mean a lot of disappointed applicants. The final group are "apprentice" pilots, and across the group there has always been a solid, mentored and recognised history of apprenticeships, which the company is very proud of. From the cadet pilot source, the company also seeks to attract the best applicants and its experience has been long term and positive.
Whatever recruitment source is highlighted, the airline does not charge for type ratings or any other form of training. Cadets and non-type rated pilots do enter into a reducing and short term bond to cover reasonably assessed costs if a contract of employment is offered. All pilots within 24 months (at the latest) are on exactly the same incremental salary ladders irrespective of their pathway at induction. All are on exactly the same T&C's.
That is pretty much the way it is, and the way it has been for quite a long time. Monarch is a good career airline and has a solid training and apprenticeship ethos. It works for the company, and it works for most of those who have made their careers here. There are three general recruitment gateways which provide opportunities to a broad range of would be applicants. If those gateways don't suit other peoples perceptions for whatever reason, I doubt the company will lose any sleep over it.
Finally, I would point out that Monarch has never been a company focused on "simulator tests" or technical rich recruitment interviews. The focus has historically always been on the personal qualities of the individual. Anybody who has been through an interview, will often comment on the relaxed and seemingly informal nature of that process. This focus doesn't ignore the experience levels or training background of the applicant, because the recruitment source pools already provide much of that information both by default and reference.