Many companies cut back, some stopped, the graduate training schemes from early 2000, citing wind down in the industry, 9/11 etc. This coupled with the reduction in the Armed Forces training, cut backs at the OEMs such as Rolls Royce and BAe has now left the industry stretched.
With the market upturn we are now experiencing, airlines investing in upgrade work and not just essential maintenance I believe that recruitment for graduates has now started to increase, along with salary offered to reflect the shallow pool in which we now fish.
I just hope it continues against the threat of Bird Flu, Fuel etc