Another option Bob, would be to download the trail version from the web.
Then watch some of the autodesk web casts' before hand, be selective, and only watch the topics that catch your eye.
Watch my tutorials, and then try do do 'stuff' with it for the full trail period. You should be able to make decent headway.
Any questions that you have along the way can be posted here, and the most excellent Swampers will always throw you a rope.