I've been looking to going to BBI myself. I want to take BAM and BRO combined, because I'll get a tuition discount. I think being certified in mechanics will allow you to become more transient, like you'll be able to find work from city to city rather than having prospective employers rely solely on good references. I live in Chicago, and the field is pretty competitive. I've learned a lot of basic bike repairs and maintenance since taking to the street a year and a half ago, but I think that knowing the absolutely correct way of making repairs (especially rare and mysterious ones) will give you and I an edge. I learned everything I know from dragging information out of shop mechanics and also going to free workshops run by volunteers. I feel like I have a lot of gaps in my knowledge. Plus, you get that sweet 10,000 bike manual. That thing is so cool.