wjguy
Welcome to the Forum
A lot depends on your situation.
I started as a helper/fitter/gofer to two American Indian welders. They taught me more in the 2 years I worked with them than I can realize, Tricks of the Trade.
Now days they have places where you can go and pay them a bunch of money for a place to practice and if you are lucky an instructor that wants to train good welders.
A lot of community colleges have welding programs that are a lot cheaper than the welding schools and in my opinion are most times better.
Just my ¢¢'s
Good Luck
Again welcome to the Forum
Marshall

Community college usually will give you the most bang for your buck.  If you like it get into a union apprenticeship with the pipefitters, ironworkers or boilermakers and they'll train you to weld on their dime.

Welcome to the AWS Welding Forum.

My only comment is to your statement about "would like to get into a more stable industry."   ????

Wouldn't we all!!!!  If that is the only reason for changing...be warned, our guys are having an extremely difficult time finding work currently.  I think you will find this is a trades wide problem at the present.

Now, if you seriously want to weld instead of paint, this is probably a very good time to consider a career change.  Get to school, get lots of practice, get some certs, and try to get to work. 

The guys have stated good advice.  Community colleges are a very good bet.  Trade schools aren't bad, but check them out.  While going to school, you could try to find a job as a helper in a shop or, as stated, find a union opening.  They have some good apprenticeship programs.

Good luck.

Have a Great Day,  Brent