concur with all previous posts. CTP is a check in the box. classroom training is focused on passing the CTP test at the end of the course (you literally can not fail this -- every question comes from 'end of module' quizzes that you will have seen prior to the "final"). the only thing you get out of the CTP course that prepares you for the ATP written is the certificate of completion that you have to bring to the test center. Sheppard is a must for the written.
WRT sims, it is exposure and exposure only. my sim partner was a 1500.1 hour wonder (MEI...all Seminole/Cherokee), and had never been at the controls of a turbine of any kind. he crushed it.
A320 sim makes it easy.