The training is different. Officer Cadets get a bit more military theory and a slightly different physical treatment. Recruits,(which is what apprentices are initially) get more basic training and less mentally challenging theory. Once you become an apprentice proper, the academics become every bit as difficult as the technical side of flying (I imagine, having only done one and knowing loads of guys who have done the other). The knowledge that technicians require is astonishing, and no less cerebral than that of a pilot. It takes less skill to break it than to fix it! However, I know of at least three ex-apprentices who have gone on to become pilots. However I know of almost the same number who have failed the wings course and left the Corps soon after, some of whom have gone on to fly for civilian organisations. The percentages are small, but the rewards for the right person are huge. There will always be techs who will disagree, and I have utmost respect for all technicians, but nothing beats flying. In addition, if you go the right direction, even if you don't qualify as a pilot, you can end up as a helicopter crewman, and take in all aspects of helicopter flying, including door gunnery, winching, medical expertise and technical ability to fix the pilot's ineptitude!
