It's never too late , especially at your age .
I think the biggest mistake guys make is to immediately take a cad cam course before fully understanding the whole machining process .
Instead , take a few manual machining course's , learn the machine , it's capabilities , and limitations .You'll also learn about tooling and their purposes and limitations as well . The core of cnc machines falls under the same principals .
If your job allows it , then keep your nose in where there are setups etc happening . Guys are often willing to provide info to help another guy understand the process . There are those who are only out to protect their own job , but a lot of guys including myself look at an educated/informed operator as making our jobs easier . If your job uses a variety of tooling and fixtures etc , then study them and understand how and why they are used . Don't close the door and turn your back to the machine , watch and learn what it's doing and why
learn your formulas . There are generic calculators online for speeds and feeds . They may be good for a hobby guy who needs that sort of advice . Every quality tool manufacturer offers the recommended sfm for their specific tools for a very good reason . That information can be found in their catalogues or online .
Learn your codes and how to use them before you take on learning cam . There's not a lot of good that can come out of a programmer who doesn't understand his own programs . It may be ok for hobby , but if you want to be labeled a cnc machinists then you need to seriously know your stuff , and you've got a lot to learn .
Once you stop learning at this job , move on to the next one that understands you level of knowledge and will give you more of a challenge . Never bs a company as to what you know because you will get called on it . When I was a supervisor I called a few guys out who nearly found themselves reassigned to the deburring room . We all start somewhere and companies understand that . Some companies want this because they want a smart young mind to mold into what will fit perfectly into their company , it's a long term plan . Experienced guys are a great asset but we also become a bit set in our ways .
Plan on the fact that you will never know it all , but every piece of information and learning experience you get will make you very valuable and closer to the top of the food chain . Production is great to learn and know . Jobbing is another level . Both are good to know because you can always fall back on one or the other . The reason I say this is that production jobs tend to be well thought out , leaned out , and the fixturing has a lot of time and effort put into it so that the job can run off and on for years trouble free . Jobbing tends to be different . Quick (but safe) setups aimed at a fast turn over . It's not to say that their aren't fixtures and other stuff made for the job , but once the job is out the door then so are they
BTW , If you can get into the milling side of the shop then you'd be better off and learn a lot more . At least thats my opinion