Career change after a layoff, where to begin? - first time posting

After 5 years as a welding apprentice I am thinking about moving into a different field. There are 5 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. I have a little time and a small budget for training. Did you take a pay cut?

Try a small project in the new field before committing. It told me a lot about whether I would enjoy it.