Training should be training - period. The problem is that some in the C & T department are unable to make the distinction between training and checking (not all - some are exceptional trainers/checkers). This is going to be made even worse with the introduction of this "training by checking" philosophy. In principle it all sounds great but I have serious doubts as to how the training management are going to utilise this system effectively.
Still, I don't suppose we should worry too much because it'll all change again in a few years' time!
STP