LHS,
I hear that in the early days, (on TI), the check and training system for the crewies was quite good when it was run by the Check and Training Pilot. By all reports the initial training was of a good standard run by a very respected pilot in the industry and an ex RAAF crewie. The "specialist" training for the Customs contract was ground breaking with every flight. I'm told they developed their modus operandi on the trot for night surveillance in helicopters.
The comment of "Shake any tree,,,,,,," shows that the management acually believed their own hype. Maybe they need to get the chainsaws out.