A responsible person that can't weld that good, can turn out to be a good, responsible welder. A irresponsible, good welder is a good welder that's a big head ache and will probably cost you money in the long run.
I'd have to agree with Lawrence, see what trickles thru the door. The responsible guy as said could turn out to be a good welder once he gets more stinger time but how much time do you have for him to get that time. Can he pass the test now? I've got a friend that hired on a few new guys, I think he said he went thru 14 applicants or something like that before he found two guys worth their salt. Another welder buddy of mine hired a guy awhile back and had the same problems, anybody that ever saw a stinger in home depot was applying for the job. Finally found him a good hand that has worked out well for him. The irresponsible guy, think of it as your truck, your equipment and business, then think about your insurance premiums and workers comp then throw irresponsible into that and that should clear things up. A nice little rear ending of Mom and her kids in the family truckster with your commercial vehicle would not be nice. Good luck with it, let us know how it turns out. I for one will be watching as I feel my first employee will not be far off.