My truck had the trans done about 218k, then the P.O curbed it, had some other issues , leaking oil everywhere. he was done messing with it and gave it to me. gasket set,a used rear axle shaft, brake backing plate, shoes and drums and been rollin' since.
Good for you, you'll come out of that with some certifications. Got a kid at my buddies shop that went to tech school for welding, in the bodyshop welding crash jobs together. Many different avenues you can pursue with that.
head down, pay attention, no goofing' off. lol Gets your monies worth by learning all you can