Interesting news! Ryanair's shortage of pilots must be beginning to bite, the 5-year bond is evidently the big selling point from their point of view.
Whatever their reasons though, it's excellent news for cadets. IMO this scheme puts Ryanair into the league of "respectable" employers of cadet pilots along with Aer Lingus, Jet2, Flybe and a few others.
Never thought I'd be saying this, Ryanair are now offering a better deal to cadets than BA! Maybe BA recruitment should reflect on that....