That's my point. They want free help and the help to PAY THEM for the "privilege" of working for them. Screw that. They need to get better at running a business or just fail. Offer better working conditions and a decent wage and they'd have help.
Instead, they are looking to abuse some gullible person who has no idea of the reality of what some segments of the industry do to avoid paying a decent wage. Some sucker with dreams of exotic locations, diving all day, etc. Not the scrubbing shop toilets, rinsing gear, being expected to talk someone into buying something they don't need, and piss poor living conditions because they can't afford a decent place.
The DM program is often about more training. Training on how to help people empty their wallets by convincing them they need gear to solve skill and training issues. A good intro to tech program will teach them far more about gear, diver behavior, and how to deal with problems. It will also be more beneficial from a planning standpoint. I always thought a tech course or two would be highly beneficial before DM because it would ensure they have the dive skills a DM should have before starting the DM class.
Before someone starts DM their skills should be nailed. It's not the place to refine skills. It's where they should learn how to teach the skills they should already have.
The DM class teaches the student how to assist an instructor and anticipate the instructor's needs.
The highly abbreviated DM courses that are done in a couple of weeks are about making money for the shop offering it and, as above, getting unpaid labor.
