2. The welding system of claim 1 , wherein the welding system is operable to award credentials to the welding trainee following successful completion of the curriculum.
2. The welding system of claim 1 , wherein the welding system is operable to award credentials to the welding trainee following successful completion of the curriculum. 3. The welding system of claim 2 , wherein the awarding of credentials includes the awarding of portable badges, wherein the portable badges are awarded to the welding trainee based on the successful completion of one or more aspects of the curriculum, and wherein the successful completion of one or more aspects of the curriculum is recognized by one or more credentialing agencies or entities as representing at least one measurement of key performance metrics of welding proficiency.