hi there,
i think industry is definetly picking up.
just got my first job after two years waiting after school and without any hours and its a dream (no low cost. type rating paid and its gonna be B738!). 3 other guys i personally know got similar jobs on 737-738 and there are many screenings going on in germany.
next year should be good and the year after even better. just keep yourself trained and some how motivated and most of us sooner or later will get a job at a flight deck.
take care,
grim (just wanted to spread some positive word :-) )