Easyjet are apparently starting up recruitment in October and considering their order list for the A319 I don't that they can afford to halt recruitment this winter. As many know though in this game you cannot be sure of anything, things don't happen according to a plan. If aviation is your dream go for it, if you take the risk and it pays off then your laughing.
Atlantic and Highland are about as close to a "true" sponsorship your going to get. I have skills I can take with me into a good job completely different to that of an airline pilot, that is without a degree. I hope you make the right decision for you.
Good luck
