Just joined PPRuNe … I have just 'failed' THE interview … awaiting feedback! I'm told that there were about 20 got through to that stage.
The pay question may be answered by the fact that PCs don't get shift allowance, whereas Support Staff do. It could add 7%, 14%, or 20% onto the quoted salary depending on the number and extent of unsocial hours worked. so it is possible (though not a given) that a civvie TFO could be on more than some PCs … but not likely unless they work at a base offering 24 hr coverage.