According to the second position, theoretical preparation is welcome, but not necessarily. As Austin Kleon, an American writer and graphic designer, puts it, studies are studies, and skills are skills. Whether one studies or not, one has an obligation to always learn. Let's add that in the case of programmers, this is relatively easy thanks to, among other things, courses on the Internet, YouTube videos, textbooks and articles recommended in forums. Nothing, just use them and rise to a higher and higher level of professionalism.
OK, but still, does an amateur have a chance to approach the master class? As much as possible. Let's note that the noun "amateur" comes from the Latin verb "amo" (I love). Yes, an amateur is one who loves a particular field—acting, designing clothes, automobiles or programming. Not surprisingly, many a high school student who is obsessed with a subject surpasses a university professor in skill and knowledge, and a self-taught specialist in passion—especially if the latter is doing something he doesn't like.
At this point it is worth quoting the words with which at Microsoft Bill Gates welcomed one of his new employees, an MIT graduate, "Diplomas are diplomas, but you just have to be hard-working and creative and know how to work as a team." What a pity that not all bosses think alike.
All professions are conspiracy against laymen. When Mark Twain first said those words more than 100 years ago, he probably didn't meet a certified plumber who can't fix a faucet, a college professor who bores students to death, or an MBA manager who bankrupts a company. So yes—we wouldn't have a problem in Diligo with hiring a programmer without a degree if he was an amateur and not a layman. Someone who loves the job, not someone who is ignorant of it.