I can anecdotally verify that this was the case. When I was 19, I knew HTML and enough Java to make a basic applet. I twice applied for a job over the summer

I can anecdotally verify that this was the case. When I was 19, I knew HTML and enough Java to make a basic applet. I twice applied for a job over the summer that I was woefully under qualified for (ColdFusion dev) and was hired earning $35/hour+.