James,

Unfortunately, short cuts in this industry these days, are few and far between. You may or may not be aware that Virgin is starting up an ab-initio course that will see you start on the ATR's and progress through to either domestic on the EMB or as an SO, on the 777's.

As far as I'm aware, the details still need to ironed out but the group of training providers that were asked to submit bids, have done so.

The competition is going to be extremely stiff, especially as QF no longer has their cadet course but my advice would be to work your butt off in school and get good grades, as a starting point.

Good luck......as most who've been in this game a while will tell you, you'll need it.