I know of one who did the AQC and was then offered a job at Monarch- I am led to believe that he has 'very good contacts' within the airline and he is currently on a type rating.
I am probably about 41st on the ATP list having completed the course a couple of weeks ago. The instructors all seem to think that far more recruitment is likely in the near future... not sure whether the admin/office staff concur.
Would be lovely to see another airline come along and request enough pilots to wipe out the wings pool. Wishful thinking perhaps.