[sailfast]

As a relative "novice" compared to the author, I welcome the suggestion that more formalized mentorship and "sign-off" by someone with experience would improve programming. Sorry I can't do your apprenticeship program. I see what you did there. Up scope! http://www.8thlight.com/apprenticeship

The problem is that this cannot be implemented at scale, and certainly will not respond to demand. One may not have the opportunity to find in person mentors, but instead have the internet and a problem to solve. You have to navigate through on your own to find the people that do it right, and you may latch on to the wrong people!

On the hiring side - for critical systems with a profit incentive and high potential, (or for a company with a unique mission that entices developers) you can afford to find and hire the bard. For other tasks, something is better than nothing so you get mediocre code. (there is still a HUGE market out there for that small something for small to medium businesses).

For outlying scenarios where markets have become imbalanced by regulation or law (such as government contracting) you get incentives to put butts in seats regardless of experience as long as they meet the criteria. (Java cert = signed pilot's card right?)

Certification is hard to get right, as is mastery. I applaud you for creating an environment to provide guidance and make mistakes and would welcome a larger scale effort to do so.