I had my name down to do an ATR type rating with Skyblue. Sort of had a promise from Air Wales for a job when completed. I then met up with a certain person by chance.
One week before the start of the course, I changed over to the 737 with Skyblue. Their training is excellent and would recommend using them for ATR or 737 Two months later, that person phoned me for an interview for a good low cost airline.
Have now got 1400 hours on the 737. 6 months later Air Wales went tits up.
I Would say, unless you have a sniff of a job, don't do it, as I know of a few guys who are still "working behind a bar", with a rusty old ATR type rating in their back pocket.
I was very lucky! It Really was, in my case, of "being at the right place at the right time", and of "who you know!"
I know that to get a 737 job now with no hours is virtually impossible. Even Ryanair ask for 100 minimum. The airlines like to train you under a bond, using their trainers and bring in the SOP's at the same time.
ATR's are less common, but the lack of line experience is not such a factor. As a result there tend to be lots of ATR rated pilots, for not so many jobs!
Good Luck! Keep smiling, and don't give in!