Hi Carl,
Are you training for machine operation in general, or cnc programming? Both?
Consider your own aptitudes, which of the above suits you better? Are you meticulous about machinery setup, and working out good methods of part setup? Does running a big batch of parts appeal to you, or sound boring?
Is the operation of a cadcam system more to your liking? This could involve part modelling and program creation, and proveout on the cnc itself. If you have to use someone else's idea of a good software package, this can take some time to learn (unless it is OneCNC XR of course, shameless plug, but I am serious, too )
So consider your own preferences and strengths. Some guys might like to just learn one machine and get really good at running it, others might like to design, program, run and fix the cnc, just to keep life interesting. Then you need to look at which of these scenarios actually exist in the shops you visit for job openings.
Rest assured, that you never stop learning, so you had best be the type who likes it while its going on. Patience is a great asset, too.
First you get good, then you get fast. Then grouchiness sets in.
(Note: The opinions expressed in this post are my own and are not necessarily those of CNCzone and its management)