Bbrown ; Are you referring to the fully sponsored cadet schemes or what is jokingly referred to as the cadet schemes of today ? Original history shows a very highly selective fully sponsored scheme. The Airline paid one third, the Regulatory Authority paid one third and the cadet paid one third of of the CPL/IR/Perf A course at a Regulatory approved Training school's fees. The Cadet's one third was taken out of salary once fully line checked in the RHS over a five year period. Now THAT's a Cadet scheme. Educational requirements were formidable and the selection process that followed was a five day affair split over three visits to the College or participating school. Now THAT's selection.
These modern day versions select on the basis that Mummy & Daddy have fat wallets. Join the interview process with a fat wallet (however achieved) and the participating airlines will make it look like they are sponsoring you ! If you fail any stage, who covers the cost ? Loans are supposedly guaranteed. Really ?
And then, in the RHS, you pay the airline to fly. (Mummy & Daddy have probably sold the family house by then ).Moreover, you are now in to debt repayment that would make your parent's eyes water.
Sponsored pilot training ? Don't make me laugh.