I find that hard to believe. There is a max age for applying to the FAA for ATC jobs which is 31. But with no max age and no medical required the airline could still get 30 years out of you even at 35. I would think that would fall under age discrimination.
There are several schools that will get you your dispatcher certificate. With no aviation background they tend to run 6-8 weeks. With a commercial certificate and an IR that can be cut down to 2 weeks. The airline will give you training in their operations but it won't be a year. You will start out as an assistant and it may be a few years until you are releasing aircraft under your signature