I learnt to weld back at the end of the eighties and even though its my own trumpet I'm blowing I do alright.
I went to the TAFE back in Mt Isa about 4 years ago and did a course in MMA (manual Metal Arc [stick welding]). The reason I did this was simple. They have all the cutting, bending, grinding and banging stuff you could ever want. I wanted to build something and the rented unit didn't have any of these.
The course cost me $90, lasted about 12 weeks I think and was very informative. You can burn as many rods as you care for and stick just about anything you want together. It saved me hundreds of dollars by using their gear and although I could already weld it was good fun too.
I don't know what course they are selling on the gold coast for $670 but I guess it's a bit too advanced for a beginner.
Go back and see what else they have, learn the basics and buy a $100 arc welder and then hone your skills on that.