To get started DATC (IMO) is kind of far away...especially at that time of day. I'd personally do the SLCC program. It will give you a great understanding of what you are supposed to be doing, get you a lot of hands-on in all kinds of different types of welding, and by the end of the semester you will know enough to know if it's something you want to pursue further. I went through it (a LONG time ago) and went on to work as a welder for several year only to finally realize working as a welder full-time sucks (no offense to those that are currently earning a living doing it )