No we beg to differ Airline & schools should NOT be closer.
It will only lead to elitism and social casting, these are things we definately dont need from the guy you will be sitting next to time and again. There are many dedicated self improvers who have demonstrated not only the ability to pass exams/flight test/aptitude tests etc all the while self funding their passion.
Most of us got into this business because of passion, my first flight was with the air cadets at 14 yo and I was hook, my passion began earlier.
Too many of the current crop are dazzled by the lights and the BS that the schools spin only to get student through the door.
There is a place for cadet scholarship programs, as there is for self improvers, and those funded by the taxpayer.
However their needs to be a level playing field for all, and this should be determined by experience, not the ability to subsidise a prospective employer.
It will only lead to elitism and social casting