Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): small engine repair home study programs, foley belsaw, home study programs

Question
Mr. Mielhausen

I have been looking for reviews of the various small engine repair home study  programs available, but haven't found any.  What is your opinion of these programs?  Do they teach useful skills?  Are they worth the money?  Would I be better off just buying a book and an old lawnmower?  Any recommendations of books?

Here are some of the courses I found online:

http://www.foley-belsaw.com/
http://www.educationdirect.com/
http://www.pcdi.com/
http://www.scitraining.com/Default.htm

Thank you very much.

Perry Michael Koussiafes

Answer
That is a difficult question.  It depends on what you'd like to accomplish.  I did a full apprenticeship and worked several years in the trade.

If you are interested in becoming more competent with your own personal equipment, I recommend you get the necessary service manuals for your equipment and proceed meticulously from there.  If you are interested in the trade, I recommend apprenticeship.  I'm sure the online courses are fine as theory is fairly straightforward to teach.  However, mechanical aptitude and experience cannot be any means beyond rolling your sleeves and tackling a problem or maintenance procedure.  Hope this helps.