I started the integrated course in 2010, which was after 2 years of recession and betting on a positive outcome by this year. But nonetheless, here we still are in recession in Europe.
Oh and FTO are just out to get your money, it shows how arrogant some of them are: We have pilot jobs, enroll today, get hired tomorrow!.
Interestingly, I flew with an FO yesterday who started training in 2010. I asked him how the rest of his course had done, was he one of the lucky few to find paid employment? "No", he answered, he was one of the last to find a paying job.