Since my last post I've been told a KA endorsement in a Aus sim is $20000 plus.
Most GA pilots chase the airlines so they are unlikely to stick around much past say 15/18 months.
Makes it difficult for both parties to resolve the training costs even with a company KA/C441 and 217 in place - Maybe there isn't a workable answer to this unless you pay sufficiently above the award and exercise the bond option