Like everything in life, you'll grasp what you need to know quickest and best by it being demonstrated by someone who knows what they're talking about, which at once points you towards a course as being the best option. Sadly though a lot of them are just pathetic. A friend of mine did one at the local tech and on his 3rd visit he was running the darkroom classes while the pro who was getting paid lambed off doing his thing elsewhere. He completed the whole two or three years of the course, but he's far from a proficient photographer by his own admission, and to date hasn't the confidence to tackle a wedding or any other paid assignment. Get the course if you can find a good one but be careful where you go, like all things in life the best will probably cost.
Some employers may want to see a qualification - others wont be interested in the least in qualifications. It's a bit like grades at music - if you apply for a job with an orchestra or a band, no-one gives a damn what grades you have - they just want to know if you can play what they chuck at you. You never hear pro musicians talking about grades, in fact they'll laugh at you if you do.
I'd certainly recommend enrolling in your local library and reading everything they've got that you can get your hands on anyway.
How old are you Boo? You could grasp the bullet and seek employment with a photographer as an assistant. The pay wont be too attractive but you'll learn a great deal. If you're really keen enough, you could approach a local photographer and just offer to be general dogsbody and kit carrier on his weekend assignments. Many pros couldn't afford to pay you anyway, but they'd be only too happy to have someone help out on big days in return for passing on their experience.
Good luck!
