Virgin Atlantic MPL Scheme 2016
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Cheers sunsetsheeplandings - yep although it will be the thing I never did, I'm still positive about aviation and life. At least I still get the cheap fares and the business upgrades from Mrs JJ!
Well done funkyt111 on getting so close on several occasions - where do you think you are coming up short at the final hurdle? agree with you on all your points - lots of quality prep beforehand
and for those soon to walk the line... just be yourself, but the best version of yourself - don't focus on the result - don't be desperate for it going your way- focus on the process with a humble air of confidence.
Well done funkyt111 on getting so close on several occasions - where do you think you are coming up short at the final hurdle? agree with you on all your points - lots of quality prep beforehand
and for those soon to walk the line... just be yourself, but the best version of yourself - don't focus on the result - don't be desperate for it going your way- focus on the process with a humble air of confidence.
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@junior jetset,
I was coming short at the final hurdle to a slight lack of prep on my part and also not 100% fully understanding the role. Once I understood this, it was much easier to tailor my approach to what they were looking for and tell them what they wanted to hear. It's all about demonstrating the qualities of a future captain.
I was coming short at the final hurdle to a slight lack of prep on my part and also not 100% fully understanding the role. Once I understood this, it was much easier to tailor my approach to what they were looking for and tell them what they wanted to hear. It's all about demonstrating the qualities of a future captain.
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funkyt111 - sounds like you are really honing in on what they really want and you learn a bit more at every go
you applying for this year's Virgin MPL? and whay about the easyjet MPL?
you applying for this year's Virgin MPL? and whay about the easyjet MPL?
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Hi SunsetSheep I'm 27 and coming from a maintenance/engineering background. I may still apply, I'm going to do all my research as advised and put all my effort into my application. If I like the finished product then I'll press send and cross my fingers.
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. I can back up what he's saying. At my Aer lingus interview, I felt it was harder to really demonstrate the competencies because I didn't fully understand the role. Now that I'm aware that's one of my shortfalls, I'm spending a lot of time thinking about the role and what I can do to demonstrate the key competencies for the BA FPP. If you can do that here with Virgin, then candidates have a great chance of getting in.
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Hi Guys,
Just checked with CTC and they confirm this is not financially sponsored scheme (as in they do not help guarantee the loan) but you will have the loan repaid back to you once qualified.
Just checked with CTC and they confirm this is not financially sponsored scheme (as in they do not help guarantee the loan) but you will have the loan repaid back to you once qualified.
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Just checked with CTC and they confirm this is not financially sponsored scheme (as in they do not help guarantee the loan) but you will have the loan repaid back to you once qualified.
Very very disappointing if true. Guaranteeing loans is the only way (bar sponsoring the lot ofc
) of making these schemes open to everyone. The model used by EZY MPL, CTC Wings etc and now apparently Virgin limits entry to those with the means to fund 100,000. Aviation remains an overwhelmingly middle/upper class profession and the tide shows no sign of changing.....
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I spoke to CTC earlier in the week and they were not sure then, all should hopefully be revealed tomorrow.
Regarding the class thing, I knew one chap who was privately educated from nursery up to 18. His parents point-blank refused to put their house on the line and rightly so, he ended up trying the modular route I think. So, even out of those that could afford it, how many parents would take the risk?
The weird thing in my book is that this setup would not save an airline a lot of money if they are paying the training costs back anyway, so you would think they'd rather take the absolute best as opposed to the best out of a limited few.
Regarding the class thing, I knew one chap who was privately educated from nursery up to 18. His parents point-blank refused to put their house on the line and rightly so, he ended up trying the modular route I think. So, even out of those that could afford it, how many parents would take the risk?
The weird thing in my book is that this setup would not save an airline a lot of money if they are paying the training costs back anyway, so you would think they'd rather take the absolute best as opposed to the best out of a limited few.
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Having the candidates with a loan hanging over them is a form of control. It produces a compliant, submissive employe who will keep their head down and tow the company line.
They are compromised professionals, and not people to admire or aspire to be.
Chatting to a Virgin FO up north the other week it doesn't sound like these cadets will be welcomed into the flight deck as peers.
They are compromised professionals, and not people to admire or aspire to be.
Chatting to a Virgin FO up north the other week it doesn't sound like these cadets will be welcomed into the flight deck as peers.
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Code93
That seems a fairly pessimistic stance!
Most captains and established FO's will also have a mortgage hanging over them, so will also be a slave to the loan department - no real difference is there?
Plus, many of the more grey haired ones often have divorced wife and kids - CSA payments on the balance sheet
That seems a fairly pessimistic stance!
Most captains and established FO's will also have a mortgage hanging over them, so will also be a slave to the loan department - no real difference is there?
Plus, many of the more grey haired ones often have divorced wife and kids - CSA payments on the balance sheet
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Code93,
As an applicant for this years Virgin MPL scheme, it's saddening to hear that you got that impression from the Virgin FO.
Do you think that this was a chance encounter and therefore not representative of company wide views?
As an applicant for this years Virgin MPL scheme, it's saddening to hear that you got that impression from the Virgin FO.
Do you think that this was a chance encounter and therefore not representative of company wide views?
Last edited by MattC123; 9th Nov 2015 at 16:15.
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I spoke to CTC earlier in the week and they were not sure then, all should hopefully be revealed tomorrow.
Regarding the class thing, I knew one chap who was privately educated from nursery up to 18. His parents point-blank refused to put their house on the line and rightly so, he ended up trying the modular route I think. So, even out of those that could afford it, how many parents would take the risk?
The weird thing in my book is that this setup would not save an airline a lot of money if they are paying the training costs back anyway, so you would think they'd rather take the absolute best as opposed to the best out of a limited few.
Regarding the class thing, I knew one chap who was privately educated from nursery up to 18. His parents point-blank refused to put their house on the line and rightly so, he ended up trying the modular route I think. So, even out of those that could afford it, how many parents would take the risk?
The weird thing in my book is that this setup would not save an airline a lot of money if they are paying the training costs back anyway, so you would think they'd rather take the absolute best as opposed to the best out of a limited few.
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As wonder88 says, no mention of it in the presentation (or finance at all for that matter 
). On the CTC stand answers seemed to be different depending who you spoke to! CTC reps said it was unlikely but that they "might" help if you were successful and couldn't raise the funds. The cadets were more positive and suggested that guarantees were an option.
If anyone else got any more concrete information it would be good to know. Y
). On the CTC stand answers seemed to be different depending who you spoke to! CTC reps said it was unlikely but that they "might" help if you were successful and couldn't raise the funds. The cadets were more positive and suggested that guarantees were an option.If anyone else got any more concrete information it would be good to know. Y
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They haven't communicated particularly well regarding this issue. Its a time consuming and expensive application process to go through on the presumption that they 'might' help. Hopefully we can find a concrete answer before the weekend! 
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Having the candidates with a loan hanging over them is a form of control. It produces a compliant, submissive employe who will keep their head down and tow the company line.
They are compromised professionals, and not people to admire or aspire to be.
Chatting to a Virgin FO up north the other week it doesn't sound like these cadets will be welcomed into the flight deck as peers.
They are compromised professionals, and not people to admire or aspire to be.
Chatting to a Virgin FO up north the other week it doesn't sound like these cadets will be welcomed into the flight deck as peers.
I find this a somewhat strange point of view - you come across as rather bitter and regardless of the way one becomes a pilot these days, everyone has the same (or similar) fees to pay. Whether or not this comes from a loan or personal funds makes little to no difference, especially at a company like Virgin where it really is a career for life. The purpose of this forum is to post constructive advice for individuals wanting to start their career in the industry, not for needless negativity. Having spoke to a range of Virgin employees at the flyer exhibition this weekend, all of them seemed incredibly keen to welcome all of the current cadets, as well as any future cadets, to the flight deck.
Best of luck to anyone applying to the scheme this year.
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I can confirm what ManUtd1999 has said about the cadets stating that guarantees were an option. The cadet I spoke to seemed to think that the guarantees would be available this year. Last year it was possible to borrow up to £119k (the £109k course cost plus living expenses). I do think Virgin et al look at the individual's situation closely though.
In answer to Flybrain's question, one of the contributors to last year's Virgin Atlantic thread calculated that if interest rates remained the same, the total cost of finance would be approximately £26k. So the programme basically costs about £150k including living expenses, assuming interest rates don't rise. You get £109k of that back through the bond repayments on top of the circa. £27k salary.
In answer to Flybrain's question, one of the contributors to last year's Virgin Atlantic thread calculated that if interest rates remained the same, the total cost of finance would be approximately £26k. So the programme basically costs about £150k including living expenses, assuming interest rates don't rise. You get £109k of that back through the bond repayments on top of the circa. £27k salary.
Last edited by Chris the Robot; 10th Nov 2015 at 08:37.
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h1ghfly3r I second what you say - well done!
All of the Virgin FOs I met at Dibden were very positive and welcoming - not a hint of animosity
Admittedly, it was there job to be liaison people between Virgin and potential cadets - but I just don't buy what Code93 says that it is widespread across the Virgin culture/flight deck and if it is Richard won't be impressed by those attitudes - period!
All of the Virgin FOs I met at Dibden were very positive and welcoming - not a hint of animosity
Admittedly, it was there job to be liaison people between Virgin and potential cadets - but I just don't buy what Code93 says that it is widespread across the Virgin culture/flight deck and if it is Richard won't be impressed by those attitudes - period!
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non-british nationals chances ?
Hello chaps,
This course looks like a great oppurtunity for the time being, likewhise said before . I'm considering filling an application. I just need to sort out something for my peaco of mind, can we assume that Virgn officials tend to give a preference to UK-nationals ? Or is this totally irrevelant ? What about previous courses ? Have we any statistics available ?
This course looks like a great oppurtunity for the time being, likewhise said before . I'm considering filling an application. I just need to sort out something for my peaco of mind, can we assume that Virgn officials tend to give a preference to UK-nationals ? Or is this totally irrevelant ? What about previous courses ? Have we any statistics available ?