He was clearly #1, inexperienced. Which the job application said was OK as long as you were willing and able to learn as you go, so there is a clear narrative he's following: "let me prove that I can work myself into this role."
The side benefit is that even if he fails or works for free for a month or two he will have gained valuable experience that could get him a job elsewhere.
The side benefit is that even if he fails or works for free for a month or two he will have gained valuable experience that could get him a job elsewhere.