I am going to go out on a limb here. I am not trying to start anything or do not want to have an argument with anyone, but I would like to put my two cents in. I am 31 years old and have been in metal fabrication since I was fifteen. I am going to disagree with you to some part. I can weld just about anything you put in front of me. (Aluminum, Stainless, or Steel, Tig, Mig, and Stick). I am not trying to blow myself up either. Without a doubt wire welding is the easiest thing to learn. I could probably teach my 8 year old how to do it in a very short amount of time and practice. I think if someone wants to take up the challenge on welding, do not waste your money on college. You can take the money that it cost and buy a welder. Go to your local welding shop and ask to dig through there scrap bin, and practice, practice, practice.
I do not think you should be welding on spring perchers or anything like that at first. Have a qualified welder inspect your welds and tell you how you are doing, before taking on any hard jobs. As far as fabrication goes, that is a completly different story. Lots of trial, error, and experience needed. I take great pride in building something myself. I do have the experience and machinery to do these things and do not knock someone for paying for there parts. I would rather pay double sometimes and do it myself. Usually something that I want will have the marked custom name on it anyways, and cannot be bought for what I can build it for. Like I said I am not trying to start an argument.
