The DUmmies appear to misunderstand the hiring dynamic. A company hires people to benefit the company, not to give people jobs. If a company can pay less for the same work, it generally will. If they can get a more qualified employee, and therefore have more immediate productivity, they will. When unemployment is low, of course companies would be more willing to train new employees, but with unemployment as high as it is, companies want the most bang for their buck. They was highly skilled employees who already have experience and training whenever possible.