While I don't agree with the parent to your post, I will say that a more 'efficient' jobs program would be one that teaches them useful skills in the job market

While I don't agree with the parent to your post, I will say that a more 'efficient' jobs program would be one that teaches them useful skills in the job market (e.g. a skilled trade like welding). An example would be the Hoover Dam, which was a jobs program under FDR's New Deal (thought maybe not an excellent example as many of the jobs were high-risk).