I learned how to weld well enough for a job in ~3 months of community college night courses (Welding 101, 102, 110) three nights per week. They even offered job placement if I was interested in having a job after completing those courses. Books for my courses cost ~$200 total. Total cost (books and classes) was under $1000.

Trades are fantastic. You can't offshore them, you can't easily outsource them, everyone currently doing them will retire soon, and you'll usually have union protecting compensation, benefits, and working conditions. Can't recommend them enough.