Replace Welfare With Job Programs?

I've heard this argument before, where America should implement a New Deal-ish program that educates individuals through technical school and places them in positions to rebuild our infrastructure or deal with various needs of the government. Like the military, individuals who go through this program accept a term of service (i.e. 4 years). After that, they are free to do what they want. I think it's an interesting concept. It creates economic stimulus, promotes upward mobility, invests in human capital, and proactively deals with our crumbling infrastructure. Ironically, a lot of republicans I meet like this idea, not knowing that it takes after the New Deal (which forms the core of the modern democratic party). Thoughts?