It's correct - it's not a requirement to have Airbus rating and previous experience, but it's of course a benefit. The Company selects the best candidates, with or without TR, and the sim. check is an important part of the selection. Sometimes a "light guy" passes the check, while a "heavy guy" fails...And opposite most companies this days, everything is paid by Thomas Cook Scandinavia from day one at ground school, with training salary included.
There are probably many Airbus guys in the pool now this days...but again - it's been a Company philosophy to select rather young guys with the profile they look for. It's not a secret that they normally select Norwegian's to OSL, Danish to CPH and BLL etc...
Normally selected candidates may expect "upgrade " in Company from A320 / 321 to long hauls A330 in just 2-3 years after employment.