yes it does happen, straight into the RHS of a 747-800 freighter was the last one I know.
I wouldn't say there is huge numbers,
If I had a kid that was of that age I could do it as well and more than likely would if they wanted to be a pilot.
Its the same with technician training. I am actually hugely in favour of that if their dad is a goodun. A good engineer is definitely genetic and if they have the brain and touch for it, plus if dad is a stickler for quality and good practise they very quickly become good engineers.
I might add my child would know to keep their gobs firmly shut on the subject. Hopefully they would know that anyway without having to be told.