I'm (almost) attending a school that offers both a Welding program and a Machine Tool program. I'm sort of torn as to which I should go through - they both offer AS (60 units) and Certificate (40 units) programs. Entry level salaries for machinists seem to be higher than that of welders.

How should I go about learning these? Should I bother? Can cross training in these 2 fields prove to be valuable? Should I do a major/minor type of thing? Should I just focus on one of them? I'm willing to pay for the extra semesters and classes to get 2 AS degrees out of it, but only if it would be valuable to be trained in both. Maybe for one program I should get the AS, and the other get a Certificate? Something I've also considered is getting 2 certificates, and then machining during the day and welding at night and just work 2 jobs.

I'm asking if it's wise to cross-train between these 2 trades. Is it? And if not, what can I cross-train with either trade that would earn the most $$$? Also, being able to work in the field while I attend classes would be a huge plus. Which trade would allow me that opportunity?

Thanks in advance!!

Extra details: Got my girlfriend pregnant. I'm changing careers and moving back to my hometown in the SF bay area (north bay) so we can be near family/friends. I picked these 2 technical programs because I want to have a solid career in place and a home purchased before my baby boy starts school in 6 years. I just want to work as many hours as possible at the highest salary possible. The sooner I can get work, the better. I'll work as many hours per week as I'm allowed.