Oh come on canberra. Contrite is contrite, and surely you don't want to knock him over by cynicism. I mean, 'dope on a rope'! What's that all about? And judging by your latter remarks you don't take too kindly to young uns trying to make their way. So how did you do it?
You ought to show a little encouragement not just slap him down as a 'cadet' or whatever.