My opinion for what it is worth to you.
I graduated from votech almost one year ago and completed my CNC spec last Dec. My area has a Miller Brewing, Procter and Gamble as well as a Cooper Tire factory. We have untold small processing plants for peanuts, peanut products and pecans. We have numerous small businesses manufacturing specility products that are marketed internationally thanks to the internet. Also we have a ton of businesses that need machine work for repair of obsoleted parts, manufacture of modifications to equipment etc. The vast majority of parts we are making would be extremely cost prohibitive to ship internationally, and what happens on the prototype assemblies we build when something isn't right on the design end? How fast can a change order be implimented and how quick can a part that won't work be remade to the new dimensions and delivered from China?
Long story short delivered a set of assy to a local factor, someone goofed on a clearance and smashed the assy when they fired it up. Old one wouldn't work anymore since new brackets had been welded on. I went in at 3am to make a new, better designed part for the undamaged assy and we had a PO for another complete one with the changes. What if that had been sent to China?
Don't forget the defense industy either. While in school instead of projects I wrote, proofed and fine tuned programs for my instructor. He has a nice sideline making parts for F-22 at a base here in GA, mostly tool kits and test insturments, but some update parts as well. Can't see that going overseas either. My point is that that even as China improves it's quality control a machinist with current skills will still demand a good wage well into the future in all walks of manufacturing.
I also agree with Geoff converning continuing regular college classes after completing your CNC program. I start back to college later this year and am looking forward to it. It shows prospective employers that you are intellegent, focused, interested in self improvement, can continue to learn and all that translates into business as a better employee with a better wage. Plus it is fun to learn new stuff
Keep in mind I was suppose to be a mechanical engineer at one time, had the grades and the SATs to become a Rambling Wreck from GA Tech. Life got a little complicated and best laid plans and all. Even with a couple of minor regrets I wouldn't trade the life I'm building for my wife, my soon to be born daughter and myself for an alternitive future that I probably wouldn't have gotten near the satisfaction out of as I am getting out of learning this trade.
Scott, who has had more fun than a pedigreed pup.