IMHO it is bad practice to take DECs who have not flown similar equippment or in similar environement. It is per definition NOT Direct entry.
Hmmm, if this is the DEC recruitment policy, it needs to be changed, pronto.
SV, as one example, years ago required from DEC applicants minimum 3000 hours
command in 4-engine heavy jets, prior to being selected...and no, any military flying didn't count.
Putting small airplane drivers into quite large airplanes can be done, but the training costs can go waaay over budget....and usually do.