It's not unheard of for many places to shut down the training department for "peak" when possible. It's a bit if a deal with the devil, but I remember even Air Wisconsin did it regularly from Thanksgiving through Christmas...
Likewise many 135 freight operators shut down training/hiring for the same period....it's a way to get all planes and employees flying the line making $$$ when the "peak" hits. Training during this period takes multiple instructors and planes, not the mention check airman off flying the line.
Was actually amazed to get a December class date at one company....but in that case it was due to the fact that the training staff there operated somewhat separately from the line, and simulator time was more of a factor.