Mmmmm ...
This is a "No Brainer" .... He should get the B412 rating ... he will then fly the machine with a very experienced Captain who will hopefully teach him the stuff he doesn't yet realise he doesn't know!
With a R44 rating even if he gets hours he won't be let anywhere near a 412 except in exceptional circumstance AND the opportunity may not be available in the future .... however with proven 412 experience even as P2 .... he will be quite acceptable to go back to the smaller machines later!
Tell him .... Good Luck from me
