[sachiwilson]

So you pay so they can put you to work? Interesting concept. Anybody want to pay me a grand to get that 'window installation experience'?

It's not such a bad offering, actually. I bet there will be quite a few people who apply, just for the experience. Better than front row seats, in some ways!

To compare, there has been a group that matches interested amateurs with academic researchers at research sites around the world. (I forget the name - I'm pretty sure I used to see it in Outside mag's ads.) You don't pay for the privilege of joining the research, but you fund your own vacation and flight out to the research spot. I considered that for a few years (I just love the idea of helping with an archeological dig) but then life got too complex to permit it.