True. This so called pilot shortage (while true in some respects) it's self inflicted. If they need pilots, do it like Air France does. They provide ab-initio training for free as long as you are a french or EU member, if I remember well.

Regardless, if airlines are desperately so short of pilots, why not make a program like AF? This would be so beneficial for pilots already getting trained (student pilots) and then they can deduct the cost of training from their paychecks, as Air France does.