From my view the real problem is how valuable will English majors be at my startup. How long will it take them to get up to speed where someone doesn't have to

From my view the real problem is how valuable will English majors be at my startup. How long will it take them to get up to speed where someone doesn't have to hold their hand anymore. I am really weary of hiring someone with zero programming experience. But not as apprehensive about hiring a programmer with little experience but some experience. I'd be more likely to hire someone who was a self starter when it comes to learning programing over and English major who just couldn't find a job.