My favorite way to get people of any age started in sewing is have them start with a jelly roll race quilt. It get's them comfortable with the sewing machine and making consistent seams, it gives them enough room to run out of bobbin thread and what to do when that happen's, running your hand down one side to make sure the fabric is not twisted, and they have a nice quilt to show for their first time at the machine. All of these thing's seem so simple for us but, for someone that does not have the experience it can be very intimidating.
My son started sewing when he was in high school, he's not sewing now but he just finished teaching 3 stained glass classes and sold his first art print.
Good Luck and happy sewing.