Please don't get me wrong, I don't think that the experience gained in another area of aviation won't benefit the pilot. I worked in operations, HR and as cabin crew prior to starting my commercial training. That experience was invaluable. I just think that this represents another changing of the goal posts for wannabes. While I accept that the majority are in their 20s, often recent high school or university leavers, many new entrants are older, more experienced and for them this 18 month secondment is just a further delay in their ever diminishing careers.
This sort of thing works very well with cadet schemes such as those offered by West Atlantic. It gives a good foundation and basis to understand this industry. However, I would argue that it should come prior or during flight training, not at that vital time when you have just finished and your new skill set diminishes very quickly.