In fiscal year 1982, CETA received funding of about $1.7 billion [[$3.8 billion in 2010 dollars) to provide classroom training [[50%) and on-the-job training work experience [[50%) to about 760,000 people at an average cost of about $6,360 per participant in current dollars. The programs were delivered at the state level and the average participant was in the program for only 20 weeks. In practice, the training and work experience prepared participants for low wage, entry-level type jobs with the hope that their participation would result in higher future earnings. A 1982 analysis by the CBO showed that most of the increase in participant's post-participation earnings was due to increased hours worked, not higher wage rates. [data source]

While providing remedial training and basic work ethic skills is a worthy initiative, I don't see how it can possibly be claimed that a $4 billion program like CETA could end a recession. All it would do is provide a temporary bump to the employment numbers and make it look like the "jobless recovery" is over. It would "graduate" more qualified workers into the labor pool but do nothing to stimulate consumer demand, which is what drives the creation of long-term, non-subsidized jobs.