I would reach out to Wyotech. The students come out with a good foundation. Yes they will need more training but it's an option. Unfortunately good trimmers are hard to find. Average ones dime a dozen. We dont seem to float around like paint and body guys.
I so use a variety of markers but I just started using Crayola ultra clean washable markers. Best thing I have found for marking anything. Washes out pretty easy and so far no bleed through.
I turned my foam saw to a bandsaw. I just drilled four holes tho the base plate that comes with the saw. Then attach that to a table. Works great with long cuts. Others have a little different set up.
Diamonds last forever or so it seems. The next insert craze who knows. I just know now that there some suppliers that will computer control Stitch any design you can come up with. Which seems the way to go now. I am a fan of the cloth designs from the 50s and 60s. I wish the cloth was more available from suppliers and customers open to use it.