Some questions for the arduino people...

[mechanic]

I am thinking about getting into arduino, it looks very interesting to tinker with as well as save some money over off the shelf products. I also like the idea of being able to tailor it to my uses. Seems like quite a few people on here are into it so thought I'd ask. As far as the wiring/sensors/etc go I feel I would be very comfortable with it as I'm an automotive tech and work with many types of sensors, actuators, wiring issues every day and am quite at home with it. The thing that's all new to me is the programming. How do most go about learning it? Are many of you employed in that type of area or just learn as a hobby? What's the best way to learn? Just buy a beginner kit and start following tutorials? Is any decent sized beginners kit a good place to start? Are other brands practically the same or is genuine arduino better? Thanks