Peter, traditionally in Australia pilots have paid for their training up until gaining commercial pilots licence (defence forces and some of the early cadets schemes aside). Much like most graduates in recent decades have paid for their initial degree.
However in most industries where a company requires a specific skill set (like flying a jet), those companies will either hire suitably qualified applicants or provide training (in-house where possible) for the employee.
A very good reason for in-house training is the quality control over the outcome of the training. Something that is sorely missing in most LCCs where you can buy your endorsement from the cheapest provider.
The issue these days is prospective employees are not chosen on ability or experience, they are chosen on financial grounds.
It's a race to the bottom or 'worlds best practice' in your accounting terms.
By the way, there is no such thing as a former cadet (just ask a few cadets from the 60's or Keg).