However I was not talking about those with a criminal record. Like in the comment I was replying to where learn to code programmes were seen as the "solution" for coal miners whose mines were closed.

Is it an option? Of course. Is it the solution for all? Hardly but it is often treated as one so people can say "look we told you to learn to code and gave you access to a computer and resources but you didn't do it so it's not my fault you're jobless".

To me it just comes across as a cheap and lazy way to say they 'did something' and blame the individual when it didn't work out.

Just my opinion of course, you don't have to agree with it :)