Getting started in SF CA?

[deutschman]

Good afternoon gentleman.
I am looking for some information on a good way to get started as a welder in the CA Bay Area. I have limited MIG welding experience with DIY auto projects such as some stainless exhaust tubing and square tube radiator mounts and such. My dream is to move into the world of automotive fabrication.
I have been working my way up in the culinary world for the last 5-6 years and recently graduated a culinary program and am currently a Sous Chef at a small catering company here in SF. I enjoy cooking and am naturally talented at it, but it just does not float my boat. I have also found that the kitchen world is awash with drug addicts and dysfunctional drunks that I constantly cover for and pick up after (Anthony Bourdain knows whats up ).
Sins I was able to walk I have always been good at working with my hands, and the first B day present I can remember ever getting was a basic kids carpentry tool set. I worked as a painter/carpenter/handy man through high school summers, went to school in Germany fto become a stone mason (I am German and speak the language), and am cooking right now. I am also a huge car nut.
I love creating things and working with my hands more then anything ells in the world. I have really good hand/eye coordination, and never need to be told things twice. I love to work hard and I know how to keep my head down and my ears open and get the job done right. I like to think that if it is not worth doing right, it is not worth doing at all.
Anyways. I am looking for a place to learn some welding, be it a school, or a shop that will let me sweep the floor and work my way up.
I am 24 (25 this year November) and still have a few years to make mistakes and learn new skills before I need to settle down. Any and all advice is appreciated.
If any of you guys can point me in the direction of a good welding program in the Bay Area that will get me started on some certification, or a shop that might be looking for a young gun ready to learn and work hard let me know.
Sorry for the huge intro, but I thought it might help...

cheers!

J

[tanglediver]

Sweeping floors is all very nice, but, my gut reaction for you, would be to work as a chef and study shop subjects at night school. Without some instruction, you can spend lots of time trying to learn the basics that someone else can teach you much faster.

If you would rather become a full-time apprentice, well, that is a horse of a different color.

Happy Hunting!