I am considering buying an Emco Compact 5 lathe with mill as a gift
for my son. I don't know what generation the machine is. However,
this is not a CNC capable machine.

Good choice for first machine. Do CNC later when he shows interest.

As said in the other response, if its possible to get him to a couple
classes at a tech. college he'll learn a ton. Of course, telling a young man
what he should do and having him listen is a truly rare event.

Karl