Mega Merged: REX Recruitment/Cadetship and Working for REX
 

I was looking at the new REX Cadetship and I have to ask myself is it worth it? You pay 40K upfront and then when you finish you have to pay them back another 40K on a wage which I am led to believe is only 40K. Who in there right mind would go for that? I know 18 year old kids who work for woolies and earn not much less than that and they didn't even finish year 12 and have no training.

There is a FOOL born every minute......
 

With NIL progress to command within the 2 years, only those who have not done enough research will do it :ouch:........and then find out a year later that their peers are joining (after having paid way less that $80,000 for their training in the real world) and have got the 500 hours multi from GA to progress to Captaincy!! And of course, they were paid much more than $40/year gaining those precious hours.

But nuff' said, there wil be those who will make up the numbers.:sad:

Has anyone got any info on what the story is with this all yet though? Other than what is on their site, have they got training organisations sorted or anything? Or are they essentially still looking for EOI's via an actual application now?

Just keep saying "No Thanks" and eventually even this raw deal will improve.

The thing is 40K is a hell of alot cheaper than the QF cadet program and atleast REX will give you a job out it, Qantas may or may not. Big difference REX is actually putting something towards your training etc, where as QF may reduce some of the costs but its still a hell of alot of money plus doing the Uni degree you are going to have HECS/FEE HELP loan to repay to the government and ontop of that you have your flying debts.

REX may not be the best airline in the world or pay the best but at some stage they are going to have to improve the wages and condtions.

Will be interesting to find out more details, i have applied but would want to know a hell of alot more info before i was to do anything.

Wonder if they will do a 'roadshow' for info, or if they already have enough applications/suckers(as it could well be) not to have to do anything.

I thought the whole purpose of the new cadetship was to put the entire cost (including flying training) on HECS? If this is the case then it means very little outlaid to start off with- instantly making it more attractive than the REX deal.

Once finishing the QF cadet course you're off to a regional which means you're going to earn as much as a REX F/O. The difference is that after a couple of years (assuming you keep your standards up and nose clean) you're going to end up with a gig in Qantas as a S/O which will earn you far more than a REX captain earns. The pay from there goes up significantly.

By all means apply for both but you'd be insane to pick the REX cadetship over QF! :eek:

All very true Keg.

I think the devil is in the detail with the REX deal.

Are REX putting up half the cost, or is it a loan to be repaid over 5 years of service?

HECS has been mentioned elsewhere, but is it a real possibility, or is this just more spin? Even if it comes to pass, it still has to be paid back.

Under current legislation, the prospects of a cadet upgrading to command are zero. Will this change? Who knows?, but my sources in CASA have mentioned something about "Hell freezing over!"

All these, I would I speculate, are vital questions to be answered before parting with any hard earned cash.

The detail appears to be thin on the ground at the moment, (bit like suitable airline applicants!) Maybe that's the way the Devil wants it.

pilotdude09,

I think it would be prudent to follow your own advice and get the answers to all these questions before sprouting the vitues of the REX scheme!

You cannot put any flying costs associated with a degree on HECS, i emailed Swinbourne, QF and Edit Cowan in Perth and all 3 said the same.....however you can put flying on FEE-HELP as long as it is to do with the course.

HECS only covers your tuts, uni fees, text books etc, which is crap as well.

FEE-HELP lets you get 80k though which is pretty good but you have to pay it through your tax for x amount of years.

So you are still paying 100k+ for the uni course, fees (which are horrendous) and flying.

All im saying is atleast REX gives you something. Thing that would scare me doing the QF program is that at the end of phase 1 you may be told your not required anymore! not to say REX would do the same but if they put money towards you they arent going to let you go!

Anyway, thinking about it, would be easier and better to do your CPL then go joing the Qantas Cadet program? think that would be better experience. Didnt really know much about that part of it untill i read up on it. Sounds alot easier than going through all the uni crap etc.

You must be a manager with REX and trying to frighten people away from the QF program. My information suggests that the only people who haven't gotten a gig with QF after doing the cadetship only have to look in the mirror to see the reason. That number of people can be counted on one hand....out of about 250 or more over the last decade and a half.

Pilotdude, Rex don't put anything towards you. You're still paying for the entire thing. Better get your facts right first bud.

The whole thing is the biggest scam I've ever seen. Stop trying to make it seem like a nice option to yourself, and face the facts. It is NOT worth it unless you're interested in being an F/O for the Rex Group for 6-7 years on sub-standard pay!

Notice they have said the Rex "Group". Anyone thought that maybe you won't even end up flying for Rex to start with, and maybe Pelair or one of their other subs??

morno

Does anyone know Airlink's position in the whole scheme?? They couldn't be happy...space-cadets instead of GA guys with experience.

Plus working for DM:yuk: the rudest most arrogant prick god ever put breath in.

I heard an ex AN bloke worked there for about week post 'the collapse'. Apparently he told the guy to shove his job after witnessing some very, very bizarre behaviour...

Sorry to nick the thread!!

Just wondering if anyone has heard back from applying for the Rex cadetship? Application went in over 3/4 weeks ago and except for the auto reply I have heard nothing?? Has anyone?

Regards
TOJP.

Yes got ask for Trial results yesterday.

Not wanting to sound a smartarse, but why would they be asking for HSC results? That was one of only TWO ( 2 ) criteria asked for in the ad in the Australian, as well as one of the items on the later application form on their website. With the greatest of respect, can people not read?
Incomplete or missing details provided on forms to me in a previous job was always a major PITA, and had I the authority to do so, would have binned said forms! :ugh::ugh:

Having not physically seen the Ad in the paper I was not aware of this criteria however had registered my interest a while beforehand.
Secondly, get over it

Ah, attitude, I like it, you'll go far..... :ok:

How could you have registered your interest before the ad was in the paper? This pre dated the online application by about a week, and was the first opportunity provided by REX to express interest? A genuine question.

The PM,

it wasn't really made clear above... yes, i'm assuming all did send in their results on the app but they asked for a scanned copy of the actual results - for proof or what im not sure :confused:

Whaet...thanks for the clarification!

PM,
From what i gathered there was numerous Ads in the paper asking different things. Sorry for the attitude, I'm nice...Honest:)

Jeps

No probs.

:ok:

Since they ask for HSC results what marks do you think would please them? Qantas only take the top few out of school do you think REX will be the same?

One would hope not. Lets face it, you can't judge a persons flying ability by the HSC nor their aviation knowledge.

Jeps

I've not been asked as yet Dr Oakenfold, so that means I either gave them the info they needed in the first place ( :} ), or I am outside the age range they are interested in. I suspect the second is the case somehow.

Same here The PM

I think REX did not like the fact that I already held a CPL (just the min hours) and I told them I was doing my ATPL subjects as well as having a IREX credit. Mind you according to the cadet program selection criteria a HSC is very important to REX so know doubt the brainless office girl/guy who was sorting out the applications threw out my application because I did not do the right HSC subjects regardless about the qualifications that count :ugh::ugh:

REX pulling of this pilot training in 8 months is not going to happen with fresh recruits unless they are planning on compromising safety or getting CASA to exempt them from certain training requirements.

Similiar story here Paper Planes: PPL with the NVFR, retractable and CSU bells and whistles, CPL theory pass (albeit around 8 years ago) and 180 odd hours when a family situation forced me to put flying on hold for a few years.That was more than a few years ago now sadly!
I'm guessing we aren't the only ones! Still, would be nice to at least get an email saying "Thanks for your interest, do not meet our profile, etc etc"!

I have a feeling you and me PM, will have the same outcome from this cadet ship for completely different reasons and probably due to the stupidity of management...We will wait and see though:)

I will be suprised if REX's cadet program is going to solve their pilot problems. They have been very quiet about how these cadets are going to progress to command with ATPL subjects not part of the training. The Qantas Cadet programs is looking much more appealing the more I hear about REX's questionable practices.

I didn't get anything back either - only have about 24hrs flying experience up my sleeve - but do have an honours degree in Aviation... maybe those that were over qualified were over looked, giving preference to newby HSC students....:confused: sigh.

The whole thing does seem a bit dodgy in some ways - it would be nice if they put out some decent information about it all, and let people know about their applications progress, instead of leaving them wondering.

A taste of things to come with the cadetship?

ahhh.... 24 hours of flying..

alot of "If I were you............." stories... spring to mind...

With over 20 years experience in this industry.. Kristy, I can strongly caution you against the REX cadetship. PM me for any more advice. WWA

If I had an honours degree in aviation, and was SERIOUSLY thinking about joining the Rex cadet thingy, then I would be tempted to hand back the degree! you obviously didn't learn much

mr.tos, im fairly certain qantas only use the HSC results as an initial culling, to reduce number of applicants to a smaller number, then stage 1 assessment is another culling stage etc, you simply have to score higher than most others at each stage (including the initial application) to get through to the next.

I know someone who was rung up to attend an interview and testing. Not sure how it went. About mid-oct.

The rex cadetship however seems strange to me. The absence of any real information about the program just doesn't seem right. How many icus hours could you expect to get in five years? I'm certainly not an expert but i don't think co-pilot hours will get you the min requirements for any decent airline - you need command hours. Can, or will, rex get you min command-hours in five years to apply to airlines?

Qantas scheme just seems a lot more credible - tells you in plain english what it entails. And if you don't get to stage 2 you'll still have a cpl, mecir, atpl sub'j, etc.

No matter what however it'll cost you at least $80k and a couple years making little money before you will be in any decent airline. the cadetships may make it easier in a planning sense (and initial $$$ for rex) to get their but GA certainly isn't a bad option - i'm sure it would be a better experience than flying rpt for your entire career.

It however does certainly come down to money. I'm lucky and have a loan from my parents which makes me very privileged to be able to pay to get my license. However the only other option has typically been the military, rex does offer people, who otherwise couldn't afford it, the opportunity to fly - which is a good thing.

You would think however that the government would allow a cpl course to be included on HECS - they pump out enough money for BA's which, by themselves, provides the country with no real job-oriented work (apart from the obvious 'do you want fries with that?'). Anyway just my grumblings.

I've got my doubts...
 

REX Cadetship FAQ, from their website, read this one carefully.

There are several things that bother me about this:

5) Being stuffed in a 'bungalow' with 7 other cadets and sharing a room.

6) "... the cadets are expected to spend the nights in self study and research. The cadets are not allowed to leave the academy during the week" I read that to mean that I can't go out to the shops or to have a beer after hours! Obviously not geared toward married people or people over 16 years of age!

10, 11 & 12) Stiff loan and scholarship conditions that seem designed to trap you. 10% compound interest rate - calculated from the start of the loan and on the full amount! Over 7 years that doubles the amount owing!

13) $2 000 penalty for failing probationary period.

17) Advertising that "A Rex Captain with 5-6 years flying experience usually is suitable for a First Officer position in a large commercial jet aircraft." - are they encouraging 'poaching'?

Lots to think about there people, makes me very suspicious.:mad:

Copied and Pasted
 

Below is the contents of the above link.

REX CADET SCHEME – FAQs

1. Where will the training be conducted?
The training will be conducted at Mangalore Airport in Victoria, approximately 90 minutes drive from the Melbourne CBD and 70 minutes drive from Tullamarine Airport. It is a large airport with excellent facilities and provides the opportunity to conduct training in an
environment without air traffic congestion or airspace restrictions. It also boasts ideal weather for ab initio training.

2. Who will be doing the training?
The training will be carried out by a new flying Academy especially formed for the purpose called the Civil Aviation Training Academy (CATA). This school will be assisted in
the early stages by Moorabbin Flying Services. The syllabus will be tailored for airline procedures and will feature as far as possible Rex Standard Operating Procedures.

3. What type of aircraft will be used?
Brand new 4 seat Piper Warrior III aircraft will be acquired for the new training school. These will be state of the art and fitted with EFIS cockpits. Multi Engine training will be
carried out in Piper Seminole aircraft which will also be fitted with EFIS cockpits.

4. How long will the training take?
The training is scheduled to take 32 weeks but may vary with individual students.

5. Is accommodation available?
The course is designed as a live-in course and full food and board is provided as part of the course fee. Cadets will be housed in brand new 8 person bungalows with 2 cadets per room. Full kitchen facilities are provided for self catering as well as a canteen for lunch and evening meals.

6. What is the training regime like at the Academy?
The training is expected to be very intensive and rigorous. In addition to a full day of lectures and flying, the cadets are expected to spend the nights in self study and
research. The cadets are not allowed to leave the Academy during the week. Some weekends may also be used for additional lectures or participation in scheduled
flights on the jump seat.

7. What qualifications will be attained?
At the completion of training each cadet will qualify for an Australian Commercial Pilots Licence, Multi Engine Rating and a Command Instrument Rating. ATPL subjects are not
included as part of the cadetship, however a course will be available at the Academy for students that wish to make their own arrangements for these subjects. As part of the
training each cadet will receive a minimum of 142 hours single engine time, 20 hours multi engine time and 21 hours simulator time. There will also be opportunities to be in the jump seat of scheduled Rex flights.

8. What medical standard is required?
A Class 1 medical certificate issued by CASA is all that is required. There are no additional company requirements.

9. What is the cost?
The course fee is $80,000. This is all inclusive of CASA charges, exam fees, ground course fees, text books, class 1 medical, ASIC, flight and simulator training as well as food and board.

10. How does the cadet scheme work with regard to financial assistance?
The cadet scheme comprises 2 parts. The first part is a loan for 50% of the full course fees with interest payable. All cadets will qualify for the loan and those who take advantage of the loan are required to be committed to Rex for at least 5 years of employment. i.e.: They must not resign from Rex before completing the 5 years. The loan is repayable over 7 years and repayment commences with initial employment in the Rex Group. Repayments will be done by way of salary deduction and will be on a
sliding scale geared to salary so that the monthly repayment represents an affordable proportion of the estimated pilot’s salary as he/she progresses in Rex.
The second part of the scheme is a scholarship which will cover between 50% and 100% of the remaining course fees not covered by the loan. The granting of scholarships will be at the discretion of the Rex Board but will normally be determined after the course probationary period of the first 5 weeks. The actual amount granted will depend on the performance during the probationary period. However the Board may consider granting the scholarship at the beginning of training to exceptional cadets who would not be able to embark on the training without the certainty of the scholarship. About half of the cadets are expected to receive a scholarship.
Our heart is in the country
The scholarship will be in the form of a loan which will be forgiven if the cadet stays 6 years with Rex. i.e.: They must not resign from Rex before completing the 6 years. No repayment for the scholarship amounts will be required during the period of employment with Rex. Those cadets that do not qualify for a full scholarship loan will need to source their own funding for the balance of the course fee.

11. What happens to the loan if a cadet resigns before the 5 years commitment period is completed? What happens if he/she resigns after 5 years but before the loan is fully
repaid?
If resigning within the 5 years, the outstanding Principal plus interest will be due and payable immediately. The interest is calculated at 10% on a monthly rest basis.
If a cadet resigns after the 5 year commitment period but before the 7 year repayment period then the loan is recalculated as if the interest rate were 5% from the start of the loan and the cadet only has to pay the new outstanding amount. This amount will be due and payable immediately upon leaving Rex.

12. What happens if a cadet resigns before the 6 year qualifying period of the scholarship grant?

If a scholarship cadet leaves prior to the 6 year qualifying period the scholarship loan becomes due and payable upon resignation at a compounded interest rate of 10% from the date of first employment with Rex. This will be in addition to any loan repayment specified in Question 11.

13. What happens if the cadet fails the probationary period?

Every cadet is required to post a $2,000 bond upon being selected for the training. If he/she fails the probationary period, the bond will be forfeited. Otherwise the bond will
be applied towards payment of the part of the course fees at his charge unless he/she is on the full loan and full scholarship in which case the $2,000 will be refunded upon successful completion of the course.

14. Will I have a job with Rex upon completion of the training?
Each cadet automatically qualifies for a place in the Rex Group upon successful completion of the training. Commencement of employment with the Rex Group will be subject to ground course availability but is not expected to be more than 3 months from date of
graduation.
Our heart is in the country
15. What will a cadet be paid once he or she enters Rex employment?
Pay and conditions are in accordance with the relevant award conditions within the Rex Group. In the case of Rex itself, these are laid out in the Regional Express Pilots Agreement 2005. Full details can be obtained on www.airc.gov.au.

16. Where will I be based upon completion of training?
The Rex Group has pilot bases in all states except West Australia and NT. As a guide Rex itself has bases in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Wagga, Albury, Lismore, Dubbo and Orange. Most pilots are based in the 3 main Rex capital city hubs. Consideration is given as far as possible to personal preferences when allocating bases.

17. What career progression can I expect in Rex?
Cadets will be deployed within the Rex Group of airlines which comprise Rex, Pelair and Air Link to provide the cadets with a wide range of experience. Details of the Rex Group of airlines are available on www.rex.com.au, www.pelair.com.au and www.airlinkairlines.com.au. However, wherever the cadets are deployed they will
maintain their seniority. Career progression depends very much on the performance of the individual and on the opportunities within the company. Based on current conditions, good cadets can reasonably expect to attain their command between the thrid and fourth year of being a First Officer. A Rex Captain with 5-6 years flying experience usually is suitable for a First Officer position in a large commercial jet aircraft.

_______

Copied from http://www.rex.com.au/cadetpilot/cadet_faq.pdf on 12/11/2007

What is "camand"???

Is that a way to think you're going to get a "Command" but very slyly cover their arses in that they "never said command", :hmm:.

morno

Glad that they finally put some more info out there.

Id hate to share the same room with someone (unless a hot blonde :ooh:) for 32 weeks :eek: bugger that!

But doesnt sound too bad and good to see you are pretty much guarnteed a job unless you utterly fark up! or drop out.

Wonder what happens to those who drop out and what happens re their licences etc.

Also, for those of us that applied using the expression of interest email do we need to now use the 'Register' form and reapply?

Also have people already been called up etc?

Cheers

Pilotdude, ask the hot blonde what she'd think of sharing the room with you.:O

hahaha good call!

Pilotdude, I had submitted both online form and email....

Steve