I received a call from a government agency regarding opportunities for employment for alternative energy companies.

As a Professional Engineer, I still had to be interviewed to ensure I qualified for any position.  The following is a large portion of the conversation that ensued, which is not verbatim but it's very, very close.

Me:  This is alternative energy manufacturing, right?
Caller:  Yes.
Me:  They will need engineers, right?
Caller: Yes but certain requirements have to be met for the jobs.
Me:  OK.

Caller:  Have you been laid off?
Me:  Yes.
Caller:  How long?
Me:  One year.

Caller:  What is your income for 2010?
Me:  Huh? Uh, zero.  (Thinking to myself:  I am laid off.)

Caller:  Are you currently receiving unemployment insurance?
Me:  Yes.
Caller:  Have much have you received?
Me:  Less than your threshold.

Caller:  Do you have children in the home to support?
Me:  No.  Does this matter?
Caller:  Yes.  These are subsidized jobs and that counts.
Me:  I see.
Caller:  We'll contact you, if you qualify.  Otherwise, you will not hear from us.

Unsurprisingly, that is the most non-technical interview I have ever experienced for a technology manufacturer.

They never called again.  I guess I flunked the requirements.  However, I think the children to count for the subsidy were more important than my technical abilities and experience in manufacturing.

This is a social subsidy moving into manufacturing.