Dark Soldier - Im in a similar state to yourself. Been in the hold pool since December but my sim partner has been offered a start date in May. To be honest I have no idea and even people in EZY don't seem to know. I haven't heard of anyone swimming for a year.
As far as I know from guys in the company the training dept is swamped so it will take some time I guess. They are leaving it tight if they want guys ready for the summer given that most people have 3 months notice.