When EASA certify the Max8 200, it changes the game. RyanAir are reported to have 210 on order. This gives them a real edge. They can dispose of most of their present fleet into a returning healthy market and possibly get more than they initially paid Boeing. 197 pax provides excellent opportunity's. They pay their crew primary less than their competitors which puts them at the front of the queue. They will need crew of course and one may suppose that a conveyor belt of new cadets is necessary to ensure they stay below of competition in terms of crew costs.
My view supports the need to get recruits. They aren't so stupid as to promise jobs at the completion of training but if the trainee is competent then i would expect a job with them would be a certainty.