Jetstar Cadet Recruitment
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Sydney
Age: 60
Posts: 1,542
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Nil offence taken.
Maybe Jetstar isn't right for me, and that's something I'm perfectly okay with. But this isn't about me - it also appears that the cadetship isn't for those who don't have considerable wealth backing them despite their abilities and affinity.
Aptitude is paramount for some career choices (emergency services, ATC, defence). I would say having the right deamour and mindset is an important trait in pilots too. The lack thereof has proven to have devastating results. The consequences can be wide reaching, having an impact on not only those involved directly, but in some circumstances the whole aviation industry comes under microscope. Aircraft disasters and incidents can result in substantial financial ramifications to the airline and the industries they feed into (tourism, etc), so it makes sense to source those most suited to the job.
Imagine if a train driver, police officer, air traffic controller, etc was chosen in the same manner. Countless people entrust their lives to these high skilled professionals, and these individuals themselves have to trust that their colleagues are proficient at their jobs (much the same that a Captain should want a decent First Officer and vice versa). As such, pilots as a collective should be concerned about the potential dilution of the standards in their industry.
Maybe Jetstar isn't right for me, and that's something I'm perfectly okay with. But this isn't about me - it also appears that the cadetship isn't for those who don't have considerable wealth backing them despite their abilities and affinity.
Aptitude is paramount for some career choices (emergency services, ATC, defence). I would say having the right deamour and mindset is an important trait in pilots too. The lack thereof has proven to have devastating results. The consequences can be wide reaching, having an impact on not only those involved directly, but in some circumstances the whole aviation industry comes under microscope. Aircraft disasters and incidents can result in substantial financial ramifications to the airline and the industries they feed into (tourism, etc), so it makes sense to source those most suited to the job.
Imagine if a train driver, police officer, air traffic controller, etc was chosen in the same manner. Countless people entrust their lives to these high skilled professionals, and these individuals themselves have to trust that their colleagues are proficient at their jobs (much the same that a Captain should want a decent First Officer and vice versa). As such, pilots as a collective should be concerned about the potential dilution of the standards in their industry.
Try going back and looking at every Jetstar thread since inception.
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To correct Mockingbirds comment, the cost of the assessment has has not increased. It remains at $150. It is clearly explained in the documentation, on the website and confirmed with a simple call to CAE.
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 451
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe Jetstar isn't right for me, and that's something I'm perfectly okay with. But this isn't about me - it also appears that the cadetship isn't for those who don't have considerable wealth backing them despite their abilities and affinity.
Aptitude is paramount for some career choices (emergency services, ATC, defence). I would say having the right deamour and mindset is an important trait in pilots too. The lack thereof has proven to have devastating results. The consequences can be wide reaching, having an impact on not only those involved directly, but in some circumstances the whole aviation industry comes under microscope. Aircraft disasters and incidents can result in substantial financial ramifications to the airline and the industries they feed into (tourism, etc), so it makes sense to source those most suited to the job.
Imagine if a train driver, police officer, air traffic controller, etc was chosen in the same manner. Countless people entrust their lives to these high skilled professionals, and these individuals themselves have to trust that their colleagues are proficient at their jobs (much the same that a Captain should want a decent First Officer and vice versa). As such, pilots as a collective should be concerned about the potential dilution of the standards in their industry.
Aptitude is paramount for some career choices (emergency services, ATC, defence). I would say having the right deamour and mindset is an important trait in pilots too. The lack thereof has proven to have devastating results. The consequences can be wide reaching, having an impact on not only those involved directly, but in some circumstances the whole aviation industry comes under microscope. Aircraft disasters and incidents can result in substantial financial ramifications to the airline and the industries they feed into (tourism, etc), so it makes sense to source those most suited to the job.
Imagine if a train driver, police officer, air traffic controller, etc was chosen in the same manner. Countless people entrust their lives to these high skilled professionals, and these individuals themselves have to trust that their colleagues are proficient at their jobs (much the same that a Captain should want a decent First Officer and vice versa). As such, pilots as a collective should be concerned about the potential dilution of the standards in their industry.
Yeah. Safety Schmafety. Welcome to the organisational behaviour of the modern low-cost carrier. You are learning the REAL organisational values before even becoming an employee.
Of course Jetstar wants cadets that can perform their piloting duties adequately. (i.e.. without bending an aeroplane). But they certainly aren't willing to pay for anything extra (in ability, aptitude, skill, work ethic etc etc) beyond the minimum required. It doesn't fit their business model.
The OVERARCHING focus in the entire Jetstar business is cost. Cost containment, cost reduction, cost efficiencies and continual cost elimination.
Cost, cost, cost. This is the REAL number 1 priority at this type of business. Unless they crash one (perhaps even 2) aircraft with significant lives lost then the focus of safety will never override cost. Safety is a nebulous, unquantifiable pilot-touchstone to most modern airline managers since aircraft don't usually crash. They think that pilots talking about safety implications is like the boy who cried wolf.
Safety is talked and written about. A lot. But is it acted upon? No, not when it will incur the business additional cost.
This philosophy extends to their recruitment and cadet program. If they could legally institute a genuine pay-to-fly program at Jetstar they would. It would be a nice little ancillary revenue stream along with checked baggage, preferred seat selection and the $5 muffin & coffee combo.
I wish my humour was in jest only.
If you do manage success with the Jetstar Cadet intake then you will have gained some very accurate insight to your future employer before having pulled on the uniform.
PG
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Bedrock
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stretch06, I've checked the online application portal and it says $200. However, I concur if this is my mistake and apologise for misunderstandings. I do ask myself why is there a fee anyways? REX, VA, conduct testing without fees. However, I do think we all know the answer to this...
EDIT: Thank you Popgun for the insightful comment.
Last edited by TequilaMockingbird; 17th Mar 2017 at 03:43. Reason: Edited due to PG posting at the same time
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll bite.
I'm a bit perplexed to see that the Phase 1 testing fee has increased from $150 to $200 since testing conducted in December. Why the noticeable increase in such a short time? I know that many people had to travel from interstate and ended up paying hundreds in flights and accomodation just to attend to testing. How many quality applicants will be deterred simply by the sheer cost ($140k for training + accomodation + living expenses) associated with this cadetship?
I went through the testing for a cadetship with a different airline a number of years ago and got through to the final round. The airline paid for flights and accommodation to a major city so candidates could be further tested.
I'm a bit perplexed to see that the Phase 1 testing fee has increased from $150 to $200 since testing conducted in December. Why the noticeable increase in such a short time? I know that many people had to travel from interstate and ended up paying hundreds in flights and accomodation just to attend to testing. How many quality applicants will be deterred simply by the sheer cost ($140k for training + accomodation + living expenses) associated with this cadetship?
I went through the testing for a cadetship with a different airline a number of years ago and got through to the final round. The airline paid for flights and accommodation to a major city so candidates could be further tested.
It's all just a culling exercise to see how badly you want the gig. I'm not saying it's right but for every bloke that says "no I won't pay it", there will be 20 who fork out the cash.
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Boring Point
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I know a young pilot currently undergoing training for a PPL who has applied to Jetstar for a cadetship. Application went in prior to the end of Dec 2016 and to date he has had nothing back from Jetstar! Is this the norm? Hasn't even had acknowledgement of his application!
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Darwin
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The nature of this industry is such that the applicant may or may not hear back and it could be many months or even well over a year before they do. This is considered normal. Luck of the draw! If the applicant is flying already be aware as there may be a limit as to how much flying they can have before they no longer meet requirements (too many hours)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tried to send you a message but it wouldnt let me. I dont know of the situation, but I would suggest that if he never heard even an acknowledgment of his application, that he did not actually complete the application in full. The system sends a confirmation of the application to the candidate upon completion.
I would suggest if he indeed is interested, to apply again and give it a go.
Stretch
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Perth
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi all,
Was hoping for some genuine advice.
Is there anyone with some experience that could tell me honestly, what are career prospects like for cadets? Say in the case of Jetstar, how long might you be bound solely to Jetstar before you could consider a position at Virgin, Qantas or an international? Is it the command experience that would hold you back?
If this is true, would you be better placed at say Rex or Virgin Cadetships as you are more likely to get command on a turbo prop sooner?
Would appreciate anyones thoughts!
Was hoping for some genuine advice.
Is there anyone with some experience that could tell me honestly, what are career prospects like for cadets? Say in the case of Jetstar, how long might you be bound solely to Jetstar before you could consider a position at Virgin, Qantas or an international? Is it the command experience that would hold you back?
If this is true, would you be better placed at say Rex or Virgin Cadetships as you are more likely to get command on a turbo prop sooner?
Would appreciate anyones thoughts!
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The best thing about the REX Cadetship is that you get some "real" flying experience. Circling approaches at night into a black hole aerodrome after plugging through the storms at FL120. Not trying to compare it with GA, but certainly no comparison to sitting at FL360 enjoying a coffee on the way to Melbourne.
Hi all,
Was hoping for some genuine advice.
Is there anyone with some experience that could tell me honestly, what are career prospects like for cadets? Say in the case of Jetstar, how long might you be bound solely to Jetstar before you could consider a position at Virgin, Qantas or an international? Is it the command experience that would hold you back?
If this is true, would you be better placed at say Rex or Virgin Cadetships as you are more likely to get command on a turbo prop sooner?
Would appreciate anyones thoughts!
Was hoping for some genuine advice.
Is there anyone with some experience that could tell me honestly, what are career prospects like for cadets? Say in the case of Jetstar, how long might you be bound solely to Jetstar before you could consider a position at Virgin, Qantas or an international? Is it the command experience that would hold you back?
If this is true, would you be better placed at say Rex or Virgin Cadetships as you are more likely to get command on a turbo prop sooner?
Would appreciate anyones thoughts!
The command experience wouldn’t hold you back as all those airlines don’t require much beyond basic CPL command hours for their recruitment. Most overseas or contract jobs don’t care for command time, they’re looking more for time on type.
Here’s a post from further back on this thread that’s also enlightening:
Most are in their early 20's once their commitment to Jetstar is completed, I know a few who are now A320 FO's at Air New Zealand and a couple who are A380 FO's at Emirates. Of the ones who stayed in Jetstar, 2 of them have been allocated A320 Commands at Jetstar (NZ), one is the A320 Technical pilot and two are now Type Rating Instructors on the 787.
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Perth
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank for the info Dr Dre and web links you sent - that's really kind of you to help!
From reading though, it seems like having zero command time on a Jet limits you to second officer or turbo prop though with any other airline. Most FO direct entry positions seem to require min 300hrs command (e.g. Virgin) unless I'm mistaken.
From reading though, it seems like having zero command time on a Jet limits you to second officer or turbo prop though with any other airline. Most FO direct entry positions seem to require min 300hrs command (e.g. Virgin) unless I'm mistaken.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: adelaide
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You even needed command time to apply for Qantas SO.
The Jetstar cadetship will limit you to Jetstar until you obtain command, unless you are magically transferred within the group.
The Jetstar cadetship will limit you to Jetstar until you obtain command, unless you are magically transferred within the group.