I took an adult education class offered through the county extension office and held at a local community college shop. Was 1 night a week for a couple of hours for something like 6 weeks (was in the mid 1980's, so I don't recall exactly). Was me and a few farmers who wanted to gorilla weld on their farm equipment. We did some stick welding, simple wire feed stuff, and oxy/acetylene using old coat hangers IIRC. I'd say it was a step below a normal community college class, but a step above nothing. I've not had nearly enough practice to be any good, but have a 110V wire feed welder that even my kids can use, and a 220V AC buzzbox stick welder. Someday when I have more time, I'd like to play around with more exotic stuff I see on youtube.
My personal experience with anything that relates to craftsmanship is to apprentice yourself to a guru who can show you the ropes. I've never had anyone say no to a sincere request for guidance on something they're good at. Offer to pay for time/materials/beer and you'll likely move up the curve quickly.
The older I get, the more I realize that I should have taken advantage of some old timers when I was young, they could have and would have taught me a great deal.
My personal experience with anything that relates to craftsmanship is to apprentice yourself to a guru who can show you the ropes. I've never had anyone say no to a sincere request for guidance on something they're good at. Offer to pay for time/materials/beer and you'll likely move up the curve quickly.
The older I get, the more I realize that I should have taken advantage of some old timers when I was young, they could have and would have taught me a great deal.