i'm looking for some advice about getting into the culinary arts, i've been an construction worker for the past five years, and due to a recent accident i've found my self in a bad way. I can still work but i'm yearning to do something "better" with myself. I have a passion for good food, and making that good food for other people(i aim to please). I've spoken to some "friends" that are currently students at various schools and they say that it's not a bad idea to try to be an assistant to someone before jumping into it. Any ideas?

Does this injury keep you from standing on your feet 10-14 hours straight? That would be your first consideration.

not quite, i broke my collar bone in a motorcycle accident.

Try it out for a while see how you hold up, it's a grueling profession man, personally and physically
Good Luck