Do his friends have jobs and maybe where they are has openings? If he had a buddy to look for a job with, that might work.

Any cooking schools or anything like that in your area? Maybe he could train as a short order cook in a place like a Toddle House or a diner-type place since he likes to cook?

There aren't any jobs for CAD operators at the moment; my 20 year old next door neighbor has certificates and all the math and sciences, etc., he wants to pay his way with school to become an engineer but can't find a job and we're in a really good area for jobs. I worked for an engineering firm and sent a copy of his resume to my old boss and he didn't even get a call from there and I know he would if they were able to hire him but the job market in that area is really bad now.

Outdoor work? Landscaping firm? Wouldn't happen for a couple months but he could take a class or two that might help him get the job, show his interest. If he can find a surveying/civil engineering firm that need "rodmen" he could do that (they're the guys that stand there where they're told holding the orange pole and very gradually learn surveying and work their way up) http://salem.craigslist.org/trd/497484158.html It's quite good work, starting pay is around $8/hr. with benefits, etc. And they're only with 2-3 other guys in a surveying "crew".