1997 Mitsubishi Eclipse Become an Auto Mechanic

I hope you can help with this question? My son wants to go to auto mechaninc school but he has never worked on anything mechanical except for some body work in High School. I am afraid he will start school and not like working on engines. He has a 1997 Eclipse that needs some work, is it a good idea for him to work on the car himself to find out if this is the carreer path he wants to take. If so, what should he start on, should start from the top and take everything apart and put it back together replacing parts needed as he goes or do one area at a time? He would be using the online manual to guide him, and ask you guys questions as needed. Thanks for the help what do you guys recomend?