The "one - two week" prep course presumes you already have the required 18 months of training/experience required for each license. These courses are designed for airforce types transferring to civvy street, or foreign holders of other national certifications like a CAA A&C who want FAA certs.
I would have to agree with "spannersatcx" that with A&P mechanics getting laid off right left and center as the US airline industry contracts, the short term outlook is bleak - the long term prospect isn't exactly inspiring either.
Even if he get's a job, the salaries are contracting in line with the industry. So even though he'll get to enjoy the smell of burnt jet fuel in the morning, it's because he can only afford an apartment located adjacent to the departure end of the busiest runway at an airport with no curfew.
I too would recommend that if he has an engineering background he'd be better off trying to make it as a toolmaker, machinist, or CAD type because those are areas where at least in Minnesota, they're crying out for applicants.