Most training programs that I have been involved with, at the regional, national and major airline level, have all had one goal in mind. Get the guys through the program. Sure, the guys that show up prepared and motivated stand the best chance of success, but every program is designed to provide additional training, if necessary, to bring everyone up to speed.
I have had experience in PC/PT based programs, and currently work in an AQP program. The instructors are there to provide you with the necessary tools to successfully complete the program, but you must put forth the effort, and show up prepared at each lesson.
In a PC/PT based program, the oral and the checkride are the "evaluation" events, so naturally, that't the phase that guys who are not going to make it wash out. In AQP, there are various "gate" events which you must successfully negotiate to be recommended to continue to the next phase of the program. If there is a weakness detected at these 'gate" events, then extra training is scheculed until the student is deemed proficient to move on to the next phase.
As a long time instructor, check airman and evaluator, I have seen my share of failures, and the students invariably find someone or something to blame for their shortcomings instead of taking responsiblity for their own lack of preparation or attitude. A self check would most likely be in order in these cases to see what they could have done to better prepare themselves.
Sure, these programs are challenging and require a great deal of effort on the part of the student, but the are by no means designed to set you up for failure. Quite the contrary, they are set up to give you every opportunity to excel.
