It's a funny old world. I wanted to do Mechanical Engineering but through a bit of a blunder (I did way too well in exams) I ended up in the even harder to get into Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Part of that course was working in a mechanical workshop where I learned to weld (the offered to pay me to get my ticket) and operate all the machinery (mills, lathes, radial arm drill, shaper, ...) and they offered me an apprenticeship. I stuck to my degree but did buy a heavy duty welding plant and lathe.
Do you use firearms for your work? :D