[digdugdirk]

I'd actually suggest a slightly different tact. The initial commenter seemed to want to learn how to make things. To me, that sounds like they want to be a skilled machinist (in the general sense) instead of a ME.

Some of the most brilliant people I've ever met are gruff old dudes in a machine shop. They don't use CAD because they can hold an entire design in their head. You ask them about a change to a part, and they tell you why three other parts need to be modified if you want to make that change.

These "old school" types (in my experience) actually have a deeper understanding for the interplay of physical phenomena in a design. They might not know the specifics of the underlying reasoning for said phenomena, but they can absolutely tell you what the outcome will be and how to avoid it.

How'd they get started? Apprenticeships, usually. But how did they get good? They made stuff. A lot of stuff. Eventually you'll get good at it.

Just keep doing what you're doing. And wear your PPE. And try not to chop any fingers off.