I think that might be an over tech solution to the chaps problem.
He has a installation which he needs to do training with and nothing else.
I know its a good solution but the chap obviously isn't that happy with IT "crap" and a clone with dual boot is relatively easy and involves minimal setup.
Max before you clone the XP disk go into control panel and remove all the software you not going to use under XP but will be using under Win7.