In Illinois,  anyway,  they actually pay for you to train in welding.

I grew up in a small town, can handle a rifle, field dress a deer and fix my own rentals, and weld circles around most people.  

They're inexpensive like a rubber roof, but the seams get welded so it's very durable like a PVC membrane.

The best way I have found to avoid this is if you have the skills, weld a new cage on yourself.

I am 18 years old working 2nd shift welding products for the Navy.

@Marshall Easlick this is a link for Land Title's stats on Larimer and Weld County.

My background is general construction, welding, and induction furnace repair.

I would strongly advise not going to college (especially if you already know what you'd like to do), or at least not in the traditional sense.I took as many classes in the trades (carpentry, automotive, welding, etc) as possible during high school.  

Who needs messy solvent welding when there's electrical tape in your tool box?

Simple wrought iron might work, with welded on brackets that you attach with lag screws.