Need Basic Training in Blueprint Reading & Materials

http://www.workforcedevelopment.com/fundamentals/blueprint.html
http://www.finishing.com/faqs/sstpass.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stainless_steel
http://www.cygnetstamping.com/coating.html
http://www.iftworldwide.com/solutions/electroless_nickel.htm

http://www.euro-inox.org/pdf/build/Finishes02_EN.pdf

Kudos for embarking on this growth opportunity. For the level of full proficiency in these areas, you would ultimately need some years of experience. But in a much shorter time, you can survey the main ideas, and become conversant with them. In so doing, you will also become aware of where to turn for deeper detail as needed.

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Welcome to CR4, lawplace!

You sound like a self-starter, and you've gotten a few good answers already, but your question about blueprint reading needs to be refined.

Fabrication plans (folding, welding, materials, dimensions, etc.), assembly diagrams, electrical schematics, plumbing isometrics and site plans are all examples of engineering drawings. Each area is a separate subject for study.

As Milo said, professional associations are an outstanding resource. The association website will likely have a bookstore. Based on your other questions I'd say that the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) would be a good place to start. Look for books & publications designed for students, which are designed to introduce a novice to their chosen field. Another good resource is the education foundation affiliated with an association. The SME Education Foundation has resources aimed at helping middle school & high school students learn about manufacturing.

Teach yourself.

Follow or engage in the manufacturing process from spec to design and through to final packaging of a product.

You will ask and learn along the way.

Welcome to CR4 lawplace!

John Maxwell says "if you want the right information you have to ask the right questions". Talk to people who are in the same field who have "fruit on the tree" (extremely knowledgable and successful) and spend time with them. Read what you can about CAD, design, materials, etc. that deal with your field. A combination of self-education and association with experienced people will get you far down the road.

The best person's experience to learn from is someone else's. They have already spent much time in the learning process and we can avoid some of the pitfalls they already went through. Someone "in the field" has learned how to apply and sometimes modify in order to make something work most effectively.