I've not done the NCCA course, but from what I have heard it isn't very "hands on."
As some have already said a lot of companies offer free training if you buy a machine from them.
As I understand it, you are after an Ashbys Ninja. If that's what you have your heart set on, then maybe a course run by Ashbys might be an idea. They do a hands on 1 day course for about £80 I think but it's a very long way to travel if you are in Scotland.
Even so, I would still do the NCCA course at some point.