I've never travelled with Ryanair, not because I've heard awful things (I have now), but because it just hasn't happened. Admit to being fairly ignorant about airlines apart from two old friends and one relative who were cabin crew but not for Ryanair. In days gone by, air stewards/stewardesses needed to be fluent in more than one language which they were.
I investigated a bit online and agree with Humph that Ryanair is easy to join, they don't ask for a lot of education and take people from age 18 (Emirates take from 21). The pay is dreadful! Some airlines give free accommodation, an apartment. I think it would be a good job to gain experience, treat as an apprenticeship, then move on to something better.
Looking at the BBC link, they certainly do seem to be crap employers but no-one is forced to work for them.