From a worst case cynical viewpoint, he got free labor and those people got free training. It wasn't like he chained them to a desk and then made them get jobs

From a worst case cynical viewpoint, he got free labor and those people got free training. It wasn't like he chained them to a desk and then made them get jobs in PHP. Best case, it was a mutually beneficial relationship entered into rationally and with eyes wide open. Top applicants might avoid it but people trying to break in and show what they can do might jump at the chance.