Virgin Australia Cadetship 2012 & 2013
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
unsuccessful, can't think of an obvious reason why. Under 30, zero hours flying but I thought that's acceptable. First job I ever applied for without making the first cut. But hey, it happens. I believe there are too many applications for them to even look at each and every one. I think they take a random sample from the 5000 odd applications. That is the efficient way to do it.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 224
From: Sydney Australia
Some Perspective!
During my climb up the G/A slippery slope, progress went something like this.
Good luck all.
- Scraping together enough money each week just to get my arse into a 2 seat trainer. working 2, sometimes 3 jobs.
- Discovering at the end that the ratio of freshly minted CPL's to available jobs was in the order of around 20:1!
- 4 years networking, private flying to stay current, more money for type ratings, and finally casual employment, but still not enough to pay the bills or to build a life, all the while still working in a job I hated.
- Finally after 6 years, a fulltime gig, well Casual but regular work. Company went broke 6 months later. back to labouring. Still paying to fly to stay current.
- Previous contacts and friends paid off. Gradually moved back into flying. Eventually 5-6 days a week, charter then RPT, casual still, and being paid about the same as one of my labouring gigs. Best time of my life. Wife then left me!
- Company folded after a crash. Back to labouring!
- After 3 months digging ditches, a previous Chief Pilot informed me that a new player in Bank Runs was starting up. Because of a string of prangs in recent years, the prime contractor had stipulated a minimum of 1000 hours Multi experience. All this to fly a fleet of clapped out Barons, 5 days a week for the princely sum of $880 per fortnight! I jumped at it.
- 18 months later I received the call from the predecessor of my current employer and was successful. Position, First Officer on a Regional Turboprop.
- Total time from first entering the wonderful world of aviation to achieving what this thread is all about, 9 years.
Good luck all.
Last edited by KRUSTY 34; 13th August 2013 at 12:56.
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: Australia
wow Krusty... cool story! good to hear that your persistence and hard work has eventually paid off and that you stuck by your dream through all of that!
im going to start that 'journey' next year once i get my CPL (hopefully) - wasn't counting on this cadetship... just thought it was a potentially quicker/easier option.
im going to start that 'journey' next year once i get my CPL (hopefully) - wasn't counting on this cadetship... just thought it was a potentially quicker/easier option.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,535
Likes: 224
From: Sydney Australia
Thanks N.T.
No matter what path you take, if it was easy then every man (or woman) and their dog would be doing it. Cadetships weren't an option when I started out, but either way boys and girls, STICK TO IT!!
And remember, if you end up doing the job you love, then you'll never work another day in your life!
Sorry, rant over.
No matter what path you take, if it was easy then every man (or woman) and their dog would be doing it. Cadetships weren't an option when I started out, but either way boys and girls, STICK TO IT!!
And remember, if you end up doing the job you love, then you'll never work another day in your life!
Sorry, rant over.
Last edited by KRUSTY 34; 14th August 2013 at 13:23.
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
But do you really think your career choice was a rational one, regarding time, investment and ROI. You could have done a three or four year degree in business, IT , some allied health type profession and been earning good money , in stable secure employment six or seven years earlier. Or perhaps done some kind of technician/trade in the ADF, and been on good brass(for a trainee) from day one.
Persistence and tenacity can be admirable qualities but it took you nine years to be earning a relatively modest wage as a regional FO, and it doesn't sound like you have any other qualifications or skills.
Persistence and tenacity can be admirable qualities but it took you nine years to be earning a relatively modest wage as a regional FO, and it doesn't sound like you have any other qualifications or skills.
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,381
Likes: 532
From: Somewhere
Your assumption being that pilot's are rational.
If they were they would understand the sunk cost fallacy. Something which a cadetship actually removes and that is probably a good thing in some respects.
If they were they would understand the sunk cost fallacy. Something which a cadetship actually removes and that is probably a good thing in some respects.
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Some people just want to be 'up there'. I'm in line next year to hit over 110k sitting at a desk and i'm willing to trade that in for peanuts to fly every day.
The office view is worth more to some people than what's in the envelope from the boss at the end of the month.
The office view is worth more to some people than what's in the envelope from the boss at the end of the month.
Last edited by Rusty13; 14th August 2013 at 06:50.
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Australia
I've neither been rejected or have received a reply for an assessment. My guess is they will contact people next week or week after. My application says 'Review'. I know when I applied for Jetstar they took 4 weeks to invite me to an assessment. Good luck to everyone!
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Perth, Western Australia
Virgin Australia Cadet Program
Hi All,
I am currently 15 years of age and contemplating a career as a pilot! Ideally, I would love to get into the Virgin Australia Cadet Program as it provides good training and a job at the end. I understand that VA receive thousands of applications, any idea on what would be the most advantageous qualifications/background to get in?
Cheers,
Luke
I am currently 15 years of age and contemplating a career as a pilot! Ideally, I would love to get into the Virgin Australia Cadet Program as it provides good training and a job at the end. I understand that VA receive thousands of applications, any idea on what would be the most advantageous qualifications/background to get in?
Cheers,
Luke
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Perth, Western Australia
Thanks, I noticed it says limited flying experince up to PPL, would an RAAUS certificate be beneficial? Also, what would be the best uni degrees eg. Business, science, aviation management? Cheers
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 423
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Focus on 3 things:
1) Academic credentials.
2) Teamwork/Leadership skills.
3) Personal development.
1) There are pre-requisite subjects for intake. You must take these. However, the other subjects that you do at school should support your entry into an airline career. English is a compulsory year 12 subject, so you have to do that. In addition to Maths and Physics, consider subjects like Chemistry, Economics and Geography. The last 2 will broaden your studies away from pure science (giving you writing skills, hopefully) and also explain the sociological/geopolitical/economic background as to why we have aviation in the first place.
2) Get involved in a club or team where you have to engage and work with other people. This could include sailing, gliding, scouts, footy, Air Training Corps etc etc.. Followership skills are just as important as leadership skills and if you can demonstrate participation in club activities all the better.
3) Recruitment involves employing a whole person. Remember that you are a PERSON first and a PILOT maybe 2nd (or 3rd, 4th , 5th...). Develop yourself so as you can learn to accept knockbacks in life and push on ahead. You will only develop this by learning things about your own strengths and weaknesses. Develop yourself by personal challenge: Karate, learning music, gym, bushwalking...I have heard good things about The Duke of Edinburgh Award and Outward Bound-check 'em out.
Good Luck
1) Academic credentials.
2) Teamwork/Leadership skills.
3) Personal development.
1) There are pre-requisite subjects for intake. You must take these. However, the other subjects that you do at school should support your entry into an airline career. English is a compulsory year 12 subject, so you have to do that. In addition to Maths and Physics, consider subjects like Chemistry, Economics and Geography. The last 2 will broaden your studies away from pure science (giving you writing skills, hopefully) and also explain the sociological/geopolitical/economic background as to why we have aviation in the first place.
2) Get involved in a club or team where you have to engage and work with other people. This could include sailing, gliding, scouts, footy, Air Training Corps etc etc.. Followership skills are just as important as leadership skills and if you can demonstrate participation in club activities all the better.
3) Recruitment involves employing a whole person. Remember that you are a PERSON first and a PILOT maybe 2nd (or 3rd, 4th , 5th...). Develop yourself so as you can learn to accept knockbacks in life and push on ahead. You will only develop this by learning things about your own strengths and weaknesses. Develop yourself by personal challenge: Karate, learning music, gym, bushwalking...I have heard good things about The Duke of Edinburgh Award and Outward Bound-check 'em out.
Good Luck
Last edited by Anthill; 15th August 2013 at 00:26. Reason: Duke of Edinburgh, not Prince of Wales.
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 0
From: On the equator
And remember, if you end up doing the job you love, then you'll never work another day in your life!
I've been through two career changes myself before I became a professional pilot and traveled a similar journey to that of Krusty's with going back and forth flying gigs when companies went bust. But it has been well worth the journey, to be flying for a living. It's the only job I've had where I can't wait to get to work.
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 470
Likes: 52
From: The Dirty South
Luke,
The above reply is excellent comprehensive advice. If you take it seriously it will stand you in good stead.
The only item that I would add is this - many companies value some form of service to the community. Charity work or another form of volunteerism. Not only would this sort of activity help you become a more rounded person, it may help you achieve your goals. Find out what charities your target company supports. If you also believe that they are a worthwhile endeavor, then that may give you some direction as to which one to join.
This will look good on a CV or application form, and you'll be a better person for doing it.
Good luck.
The above reply is excellent comprehensive advice. If you take it seriously it will stand you in good stead.
The only item that I would add is this - many companies value some form of service to the community. Charity work or another form of volunteerism. Not only would this sort of activity help you become a more rounded person, it may help you achieve your goals. Find out what charities your target company supports. If you also believe that they are a worthwhile endeavor, then that may give you some direction as to which one to join.
This will look good on a CV or application form, and you'll be a better person for doing it.
Good luck.
Last edited by JPJP; 14th August 2013 at 18:54.
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Antipodea
And don't forget to be normal- go to the movies, play sport, chase girls etc.
Being socially well adjusted and having interests outside of aviation all helps when you have 12 hours of cruise ahead of you
Being socially well adjusted and having interests outside of aviation all helps when you have 12 hours of cruise ahead of you
