I just happened to notice a book from the local community college and thought 'i wonder if there is a welding course in there'. Sure enough and the price wasn't terrible.
I signed up and got a buddy to do so as well who is interested. It doesn't appear to include Mig welding but i am hoping the transition would not be difficult to figure out for myself once i've learned the basics of welding.
I gotta say i am right excited about this! I have great visions of practicing my new skill on scrap metal and eventually doing my own front pan