Also seeing this problem, I have friends in dire life circumstances trying to make a better life for themselves and their families by studying on top of a full-time job and I've not had luck trying to get them referrals.

One of them is a mid-30s handyman who turned out to have one of the best knacks for UI/design I've seen.

It's a shame because he's a very decent junior React dev that'd be a great combo UI designer but can't find an in anywhere

I feel like you've really got to do something to stand out or make connections