Why 3-4 years?
Wallfly, there have been rumours, that Britannia airways are to start sponsorship with BAE Systems in Jerez next year (Feb/March time?). This is unofficial, but I have heard that they have signed something with BAE.
Also, Britannia Airways take on Second Officers...ie FATPLS with 200hrs, where you build up your experience behind the controls but your not actually allowed to by pilot flying below 10,000ft until you have satisfactoraly completed a certain amount of hourse/schooling to get F.O position. I have heard too, that BY are to take on a few SO's next year or was it 2004?
There are many other airlines, easyJet, and RyanAir but they do want experience. Have you heard of CTC. They provide airline qualification training for low houred FATPLS, and upon successful completion of the course, the possiblity of a placement interview with an airline. Many of there trained pilots are now flying with easyJet, JMC (I think) and several other budget/charter airlines.
I don't see why people still beleive there is a 3/4 year waiting period. RyanAir need 800 type rated pilots (300hrs 737) for next year...so if you can scrounge the money lol (£100,000?).
Also, try talking, get the word around your interested (pretty much like me, I start ATPL's at the end of this year, just trying to get the word around that I am HERE!). There are several Executive Jet type companies who do actually take on people through word of mouth. There is someone who posted on this forum about they got the RHS with a company flying Beechcrafts? I think that was the aircraft.
Very best of luck anyway.