Chairmanofthebored
The sugestion has merit, although the time frames would have to be ironed out.
As you said; "Trying to find a regulatory body to commence this idea would be harder than pulling the teeth on a croc guarding her eggs and the backlash from the training schools losing their cheap labour... priceless"
These points would be major hurdles.
Another problem to solve is that of the mature apprentice. How many people flying have a past life; plumber, electrician, mechanic or post graduate student?
It can be sorted, but the industry and the government have to be willing to sort it.
Maybe a 4 year apprenticeship is too much. Maybe a 2 year internship (after time spent for exams & flight training) would be more practicable with the associated goverment support to assist the operator in wages & training etc much the such as an apprentice is guided.
Food for thought!