Here's how it worked for me. I completed my NSCE in 2002 and did Maple Leaf Exchange. One year later (2003) I did the fitness test for the CF Basic Para course. I passed that, next thing was a CF medical. After this is passed, a few weeks later I was in Connaught along with forty-nine other candidates including one CIC officer.
The fitness test was administered the first monday morning, the second monday morning and finally the last friday morning. The results of the final testing determines whether the candidate goes to CFB Trenton ( location of the Canadian Parachute Center -> CPC ). If he or she fails, all attempts are made to employ them in a staff position. The days between these testings are full of training. Ususally a day would begin at 0550 for PT, which was begun with sets of chin ups then a long run, followed by push ups and so on. The day would usually involve two major activities, one being citizenship/orientation based, the other fitness related, and finally afternoon PT every day at 1600. During my pre-course time in Connaught, we toured a museum at CFB Petawawa, visited parliament/viewed the changing of the guard, met and were spoken to by Pvt. Jan de Vries (veteran of the 1st Cdn Para bn of WWII ), and the CF tried to recruit us too. As for the fitness training of a day: some weights, obstacle course, ruck march, many sports and swimming.
Once at the CPC in Trenton, you are treated much differently. You are now in the tender care of a course WO and three section commanders who are all veterans of the Canadian Airborne Regiment and are also members of an operational jump company. These gentlemen train you to the same standard as Reg Force candidates with exacting precision. The day begins at 0445 for morning PT and ends with PT. There are eight classes a day, with a short break between for water and a quick sit. There is no walking, all mouvement is made in double time. A helmet and harness is worn at all times. The day's training ends when afternoon PT is done. There was no training on weekends. If you complete the course you have earned the qualification to wear jump wings with a red maple leaf. This does not mean that you are an elite paratrooper, but that you are a qualified parachutist, able to jump out of an aircraft by military standards. From what I do know ( and I dont profess to be a know-it-all), jump wings with white maple leafs are earned after having served two years ( ? ) with an operational jump company. Mere heresay has impressed upon me that this is no easy time, and this time is not spent with any lily-livers.
Cadets can attempt their NSCE and Basic para once they are 16 years of age; this is true. However I would suggest that you take a year to go on exchange or Rocky Mtn first, as these are greatly enjoyable times full of valuable experience and superior training.
As for this idea of trouncing upon "cadet paratroopers" for thinking "we" deserve more respect...
This is merely a feeble-minded half-witted attempt by those who cannot adequately pinpoint a loudmouth. I do realise that of late there had been certain members who have completed their jump course as cadets making outrageously ridiculous statements, but don't attempt to gain the favour of the masses by creating a stereotyped scapegoat for your arrogant pleasure. I, as well as other jumpers with whom I completed my course, attempt to be mature, responsible and fair leaders in a humble manner. I greatly dislike this notion of painting all of us with the same colour. Other than that, I hope this answers any questions. Again, I do not mean to sound as though I know it all when it comes to the Reg Force side of things; I can only speak for what Ive done.