Hi
As a fellow newbie, I have undertaken the IICRC courses in carpet and upholstery cleaning. Found both very informative, and you get certified at the end (subject to exam), which I think may help in getting work, but I felt they lack 'hands on' practical training. I am in contact with Solutions and have also seen recently that Prochem do a one day course with 4 x 90 mins 'hands on' sections.
Hope that is of some help.