Career change after a layoff, where to begin? - 8 months and counting

After 12 years as a welding apprentice I am thinking about moving into a different field. I have a little time and a small budget for training. How did you start?

You likely have more transferable skills than you think. Write down what you did, not what the job title said.

I began with informational chats, then a short online course, then a related entry-level role. It took about 8 months.