Yes, I think training is important.  No, I do not think it should be mandated by the state to get a license.  You can't mandate everything.  There is a point where the free market will eliminate those without training.  

If your broker wants you to succeed and more importantly, you want to succeed, then you can work with the broker to find the right training.

When I started, my Broker accompanied me on my first two listing appointments.  His manager coached me on my Buyers; she met a couple of them.  They gave me an excellent start!

OTJ training is still required, some realize this and succeed, others seek employment elsewhere.

On the job training IS required, and we know what happens when that doesn't happen!
Especially in hot markets . . . every cocktail waitress, bartender and Walmart greeter gets a license and the brokers are like woohoo, sell sell sell! 
Then, often much later . . . the lack of skillset circles back like one useless press secretary. LOL

I know the agency I'm affiliated with is heavily invested in training for the agents

Training and mentoring is essential to success. But the seeds will not grow unless the ground is fertile. Getting deep here? I wish I knew then what I know now.

Training is needed, preferably before they set you out on your own to sink or swim. When I started with RE/MAX 10 years ago they offered lunch and learn they were good training session.

In my state they upped the ed with everyone being a broker plus more ce time. I never did believe in on the job training. We did have formal training but as like everything else, it wasn't real.

GA requires 24 hours "post license" in the first 12 months with an exam to keep your license.

Given that most people in California take three attempts to pass the licensing exam, I'd say the licensing hoops are not effective at procuring a license.

Training is something that a Broker should make available and require when hiring a freshly licensed agent and it should be something the agent wants and seeks out.  Part of the problem is, is that licensing schools don't always tell people they'll need more training once they get licensed. 

Training is not something that works for every Brokerage model and some (C21, KW, CWB) seem better geared towards it and some seem to make a good income stream off of it.  Out here, one of the lcoal C21 offices had a school (which used to be more common).  You'd get your training there for free, then once you passed you had to work for them for X years (how they recouped their training costs).

I remember WAY back, and sure was scary with the first few deals!

On the job training would help with a more professional approach, which is often lacking. At my first brokerage I was assigned a mentor to guide me plus we had additional classroom training that also involved role playing. The office manager accompanied me to my first listing appointment.

I believe our licensing requirements must be different than yours because I was ready to go with no on the job training needed.  I have over the years picked up different approaches etc until I found what worked best for me.  The horror stories I read about here and on FB don't happen in my market, that I'm aware of at least, lol

my builders license requires lots of post license classes and information as did my wife's broker's  license.