Good beginner course for essentials?

Depends how they like to learn.

I prefer learning programs on my own  and love watching videos

Lynda.com has good courses, I liked the Deke Mcclelland  ones best as he speaks fast, an doesn't lazily just talk in keyboard shortcuts.

Best free course I've seen is by TastyTuts on Youtube  over 19 episodes

Even has downloadable project files folder. Relaxed presentation too

The Complete Beginners Guide To Adobe Illustrator | Tutorial Overview & Breakdown - YouTube

This site has some great basics. It applies to older version of Illustrator but for the most part the information will translate to newer version. Check it out.

Fridays with Mordy

Hi Prepress

The Lynda.com videos are good. But...the person you need to train may not be a good candidate for online video training so you should check with them if this is a learning style that works for them. Sitting in front of a screen for hours at a time with no interaction can be a painful way to learn. Additionally, there is no one to ask questions of, and the lessons go flawlessly because they have been edited. The learner won't be so lucky. What I have found as an Adobe Certified Instructor is that people sign up for online video training but eventually find me (or someone like me) to have a live, in person class with. Especially for foundational training, I'd recommend you send them to a live class with an instructor.

After that, video training can be a good way to continue advancing their skill set but that foundation needs to be set first.

Just my 2 cents

Michael Riordan

Digital DesignLab

www.learnadobesoftware.com