Newbies used to gain some INSTRUMENT FLYING practice on a Link Trainer. This did not have an A/P, so one learned to fly manually, using the somewhat basic instruments in front of one. These could be further restricted to just a Limited Panel.
Earlier exercises had one flying a list of timings, speeds and headings to produce a drawing of a hand on the Instructor's table.
Instrument let downs with QDM or ADF patterns could be practiced with various strength of W/Vs, down to a low approach level, followed by the overshoot procedure, as one did not have the R/W in sight... The hood was still in position !
The equipment could be set for " Calm" or a rudimentary " Rough Air".
Many Newbies stalled and spun the trainer and learned that recovery on instruments was possible ( even if not quite perfect).