1. A handheld welding operator device for use by a welding operator while performing an actual or simulated weld, the handheld welding operator device comprising: a controller; a position sensor; and a stimulation device comprising a tactile feedback device providing directional feedback to an operator, the stimulation device operatively coupled to the controller, wherein the controller is programmed to receive position data from the position sensor, to compare the position data to stored position data defining a position of the handheld welding operator device for a stored weld to determine the position of the handheld welding operator device relative to the stored position data, and to activate the stimulation device to provide the directional feedback to the welding operator to correct the position of the handheld welding operator device to follow the stored position data during the actual or simulated weld.