Steelman,
Yes, D1.1 Table 3.1 allows other than low hydrogen and I expressed that there were a few exceptions to the 'nothing but low hy' concept (at least I think I did). But, look at the steels that are included in that. It would extremely limit the qualification of the welder who qualified/certified using anything besides low hy. If you use all low hy you are qualified to run other rods (F4 can run F3). But, if you qualify with the F3 group you restrict what you can do. So you would limit the steels you could weld on and the procedures you could use to do it. EDIT: yes, look at the end of my previous point #3.
The question becomes 'Why limit yourself?'
You also must be much more concerned with clean materials and especially pre-heat and interpass temps with the other electrodes. Check out Table 3.2.
The next issue is: You will not find a structural steel job that will allow for the use of anything other than low hydrogen electrodes on any part of the Structural Steel. Read through the General Notes on the Architecturals and Structurals and they will all stipulate Low Hydrogen for all structural welding by currently qualified welders with experience in the work being done.
Look also then at Clause 3.13. It specifically states that 'Pre-Qualified' welds will be as detailed in Figure 3.4. There are no open root examples given. For a pre-qualified joint it MUST either have backing or be backgouged. So the type of joint asked about in the original question is not possible as stated by the OP.
That doesn't mean you can't have the students practice and weld that way. And/or set it up as an example of the pipe welding industry. But as being applicable to D1.1, it is not.
An instructor teaching students the practical and useful aspects of welding should be concentrating upon those skills and procedures which will benefit the students the most. In very few circumstances will a 6010 or 6011 root be used and capped with 7018 WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH D1.1. (capitalized to emphasize that point: D1.1)
John, yes there are classes. Al Moore has been writing some articles in the 'Inspections Trends' which is now available on line on the AWS website on WPS preparation. There is a day long seminar at the upcoming FABTECH Convention in Atlanta in Nov on WPS preparation. And there are others as well.
Have a Great Day, Brent