Company I worked for prior to joining EK in mid-90's insisted on (if my memory is correct) minimum three years left seat, along with a minimum "similar type" requirement before they would even consider a candidate for entry into training. Most had much more. I can't recall any complaints about the quality of training, with the exception of the usual one or two "personalities" in the department.
I believe most UK carriers had similar requirements at the time.
7B