No takers huh? OK... here's my take on the C&S Custom class.
Where you go with it depends on you. You learn how to build a premium quality 1911 from parts, using hand tools. In the real world, a professional 1911 'smith will do portions of their work using machine tools... although some of that is cosmetic in nature.
If you don't have a background in the use of a lathe, mill, hone, welding equipment etc etc, then a good portion of your work will not be cost effective, or perhaps even possible. For example, if you don't have a mill, you'll need to file dovetails for sights. If you don't have a lathe or precision hone, you may end up fitting a barrel bushing with a piece of emery cloth on a drill motor... unless George Smith at EGW is your best buddy. If you don't have a welder and need to correct wanked up frame tangs to fit a beavertail... you'll need to farm it out.
If you can afford it, take the class for your personal edification. If afterwards you decide you can turn your new found knowledge and skills into a money making enterprise... understand that you will need to accept the fact that with some types of work, you'll have to sub it out or lose money doing it yourself until you can afford the equipment necessary to do it cost effectively.
This is but one perspective... I have no idea what you know, what you have available to you. I'm just trying to be realistic and objective about what you're considering. I'd rather be Devil's Advocate than the guy that says "go for it!" only to watch you struggle and fail. But then again, we learn and grow more from failure than success, don't we.
Last thing... please tell me where the word "certification" is in the course outline. What exactly are they certifying?
C
