Im a qualified welder and work mainly in transport as a sub contractor building skeleton frames, chassis and bodys for tipping trucks. There is other stuff involved its not just a matter of welding 2 pieces of steel together and going home, the work can be quite physical and hard on the body, espicially in the heat like this week. Money is very good at the moment in the field due to the lack of interest with people wanting to do it (I sometimes dont blame them), I bring home anything from $1500-$2500 and im only 22 years old. My advice would be that unless you really like metal work and dont mind being hot and dirty most days, try plumming or sparky. Good luck