Paddygee: There are always sunshine stories and then you have reality, which counts for the rest of us. But as you say a lot of companies struggle to fill up their cockpits. But they usually require highly qualified pilots, with the typerating and experience on type. Ryanair needs alot of pilots, but they currently need typerated, direct entry captains.
You mention ab-initio schools with job promises. Do not believe them. Ask them about their statistics and they will lie. Here are mine: About 10 % of graduated students will get a "proper" job during the first year or two after graduation. Unless they are cadets for specific programs (which can be an easy way into flying jets). But after 10 years around 90 % will be employed as pilots, 50 % of them as airline/regional pilots. Some reach their goals after a couple of years, and some after ten years, and a few of them...never. I am from a school like that myself. Just remember that their primary concern is how to get hold of your money.