Speaking from experience, Chas?
Russ, it's a beginner guitar; Fender Squier (Standard?) Stratocaster. After a couple of years he might want to get a Gibson. He plays several hours daily and I hope he keeps at it. He doesn't have a teacher as of yet so he's learning from a video course; Guitar Tricks. It's a very comprehensive course that'll keep him busy for a long long time.