Another thing that hasn't been mentioned that used to great effect to become a programmer is take any job that's the least bit in the vein of what he wants to d

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned that used to great effect to become a programmer is take any job that's the least bit in the vein of what he wants to do for the tiniest sum of money. After 6 months of _some_ experience he can start looking for another job and iteratively work his way up.