How does everyone feel about the new iATPL airline partnership programs

[CdnPilotsalary]

There are now FTOs offering an integrated ATPL, after which you are placed into a pool and guaranteed an interview with regional airlines.
For example: http://www.ottawaaviationservices.com/ has a memorandum of understanding to train pilots for Transwest, Georgian, Porter, and Jazz.
Is this the beginning of European-style flight training where airlines primarily select only from a few prestigious FTOs?
Would students be well advised to attend one of these programs over non-airline-sponsored FTOs?

Thoughts?

[chipmunk]

Is this the beginning of European-style flight training where airlines primarily select only from a few prestigious FTOs?
Would students be well advised to attend one of these programs over non-airline-sponsored FTOs?

I'll answer your questions from Porter's point of view - no, and no.
It's just a way to connect early on with students just starting out in the industry and provide them with a mentor.
A good percentage of the hiring is still the "traditional" way - resumes, internal recommends, etc., and from all ages and backgrounds - you don't need to be 22 with a specific college degree/iATPL.

[confusedalot]

Does not hurt to play the system though. From a retirees perspective, have not seen this sort of situation in my lifetime. Heard about big red hiring cpl's 5 decades ago but that was another era.