Tell him to never give up. If this is his dream job, he will find his way into a flight deck.
As far as I understand, the MPL license is tailored for one operator. easyJet is considered to be one of the best training in the industry.
Keep networking and ties from the flight school. Keep current and up to date with the industry.
This will open him perhaps doors and opportunities to other airlines.
The market will pick up again, but nobody knows when this is going to be. One needs to be persistent, especially during these times.
All the best, and I wish him well.