I know what you mean, mate.. worked in a factory for 14 yrs - good job, good pay but not really satisfying in any way and far too much pressure (was a prepress shift manager in a magazine printers).
I now work on the railway as a signaller on the Settle & Carlisle line in a remote signalbox with nowt but glorious views whichever way you look, no bosses as such and can do whatever I like within reason whilst at work - best job I've ever had but money ain't brilliant compared to printing LOL!
Reason for reply: I'm surprised you can't get access to the same course I'm considering as I'd have imagined that some kind of nationwide standard would be in effect, but then again I am probs totally wrong - anyone got any ideas bout this?
Mike.
PS: Just flattened a 6' x 6" x 1" plank of redwood using a hand plane - bloody knackered and LOADS of respect to the old timers who didn't have access to the toys we do now..... reminds me of cutting dovetails by hand