Depending on the job I would say yes, I agree with the article when it comes to high-level programming skills. But if its a low-level "entry" position, I'd say no. I've seen both sides of the issue, both as a person trying to learn the skills and craft, and as the "old-timer" helping HR hire a new person. If the skills needed are basic "idiot proof" skills, then why not hire the kid fresh out of school? It's only when you need the person who has the "mad skilz" when you really have to be careful. More places need to actually test their skills by having the potential employee do some actual code. My last job had set up a computer that was off the network and could only access the internet. I was given a series of tasks to complete in a set amount of time, so that they could actually see my coding skills. Not many of the places I've interviewed at actually tested my abilities. I'd have to say that there is where the problem lies. Not enough HR folks have the sense to bring in the IT group to help Test the potential new hires.
Goran