In my opinion, not everyone is able to code. Not because it's some sort of exclusive club but because being a programmer involves thinking differently in order to find some sort of solution.
Generally, I agree (having seen people who really can't do it continuously struggle through coding exercises). That being said, I'd be interested in hearing if people even try. Surely some could manage it.
I mean, I get that you're just coming from a place of decency and trying to help, but suppose tomorrow every unemployed person decides to become a programmer - does that really help? Or does it just make the market for programmers worse?
I get that you're trying to help, but there are systemic problems to be resolved here.
Yes, I do. Obviously (and, from a selfish perspective, thankfully) not everyone is inclined or able to learn programming.
I'm more interested in how counter-cyclical programming is. Does it allow you to weather a tough labor market, or are young developers seeing similar difficulties in Europe?
Speaking of which, these characters kinda deserve their fates by choosing such pointless career paths. Hopefully others will learn from their mistakes.
There's such a shortage here in Amsterdam that companies are hiring non-EU citizens (with all the visa crap that comes with it). There's lots of Southern European engineers here, but a lot more sitting back home whining about how bad things are.
This is why I don't feel awfully sorry for our young Southern friends. There's well-paid work a cheap two and a half hour flight away. No visas, no work permits and getting paid in familiar currency. Hell, the IRS will even throw in a 30% tax rebate for your troubles.
On the other hand you can earn 4 times more in other EU countries for the same job. In my city Java/C# developer with a few years experience earns around 1000 Euro after taxes.