"I am a second year welding student currently working on becoming a certified robotic welding operator."
- This is great. It's very encouraging to hear that a tech school is running this type of program.

"I will be certifying to a process created by my school."
- Is this "Certification" based on the AWS D16.4 - Specification for the Qualification of Robotic Arc Welding Personnel ?

"Will this certification allow me to have an advantage over other job applicants or will it give me the opportunity to make more money than I would without a certification."
- Yes and No...  Speaking as a guy who is involved in and frustrated by the selection and hiring of robotic welding personnel, Yes - I would love to be able to hire someone who has already been trained in what I need them to do and yes, would be willing to pay extra for that.
- No - If you're certified to GMAW on a Fanuc, and I need someone to RW with an IGM, your certification would not be helpful if I could find other applicants with the skill-set I need.

Free Advice - Often "Robotic Operator" positions are low wage jobs for lesser skilled people who load and unload robots that higher skilled and paid people have set up and programmed. These folks are often referred to as "Button Pushers". That's all good, and a good way to get your foot in the door through an entry level position. However, robotic programmers and integrators, especially those who can make a robot produce acceptable welds, are the folks who can go anywhere, make real money, and take their pick of jobs.

BTW - I think you have a very intelligent Instructor. Good on him/her!

Tim