I've attended and know others who've gone to UBI and I would strongly suggest getting some welding practice in beforehand, especially welding pipes. You can do the course without knowing jack about welding but every neophyte welder who attended these classes struggled somewhat.

I should point out I was doing the mechanics class but roomed with a number of folks doing the welding class and this was pretty much everyones' opinion. A friend of mine did the course as well and reported much the same thing.