I’d say a safe bet is Javascript, there are plenty of online resources, good courses online and whatnots. Although it’s true that self learning is possible, I guess the _fastest_ way would be to join few coding meet-ups (there are many here in London and they are free) and learn together with other people.
They should keep a blog/github with their progress too. They basically need to prove they can “do”, having a CV saying “Javascript: 3 month online course” won’t work.
Are they prepared to move away from Barcelona or Vienna? Cities like London and Berlin are great place to look for a job in IT.
A good job board is often a by-product of an active community. Look for Stackoverflow, Github, and even the now defunct 37Signals Jobs (rebranded in WeWorkRemotely).
If you could build a community around it, then companies will be happy to pay (and I've learnt this lesson the hard way!). Follow petercooper suggestions and best of luck!
It was a book with a good design, although it didn't help me learn much about design. The references were useful, but I would have liked to be a step-by-step guide (similar to Drawing on the right side of the brain, but for design) instead of a showcase of 'good' design and some side note tips.
Edit: I think CodingCupboard is nice idea, don't get me wrong, and in your first week you've got a mention on TechCrunch (startup dream, as you wrote).
In italy you'll find a mocha pot in every house. Any expert in coffee could tell me the difference in taste if you'd use the mocha (using hot water under pressure) or the drip method?