They are time, travel, and resource constrained which usually causes an impediment to further learning. I need help compiling a list for them of online learning resources that results in something that an employer will value.
Thank you!
Immersive coding boot camps, as much as I dislike the idea, do have value. If someone attends an in-person, full-time (40 hours a week for 12 weeks) bootcamp, from a reputable provider, that can actually lead to a job.
For young people, and those of limited means, I'd stop worrying about certifications and simply help them learn. Plenty of online resources are cheap and valuable, like udemy.com (to name one; there are many good ones). It's a good way to get started part-time. They can learn the basics at their own pace. They'll learn skills that employers will value, although it's unlikely to lead directly to a job.
No one should invest any serious money in education until they know if they like it and have the aptitude.