From current situation, you may expect CX is not going to recruit any cadet in coming few years.
I know many applicants have flight experience, a PPL or even CPL. I know a guy he got his ATPL in CAE Oxford, but didn't get a job because he has not right to wrok in the EU. Few years later he was recruit by CX as a cadet, redo his ZERO to ATPL training. And I can assure you he is not the only one.
Age and Education background never a problem in CX, as long as you are under 40, your age doesn't matter. If you have other nationality, I suggest you go there to seek chances.