Compared to any scale model, a 60 size sport plane (like the Sig 4*60 or Bruce Tharpe Venture 60) would probably be a more straight forward build that would be a great experience builder.

If you do go scale, I would think some of the Top Flite Gold Edition kits could be a first build if you are willing to spend a lot of time studying the instructions, and asking questions, before cutting and gluing. Most of the product pages have links so you can download the manual. That way you can get an idea of what's involved without buying anything first.
http://www.top-flite.com/airplanes/gold-kits.html