Becoming a programmer?

I work in a production shop and we are restricted from editing programs on the floor. I’m asked to submit change requests to programming in spite of the fact that I can write the changes myself. I’ve worked in 2 different production shops with the same song and dance. I want to trouble shoot and optimize myself hence my wanting to become a programmer. What’s the best way to go about this? The company I work for will not offer me OJT to become programmer. Should I attend a local college in my free time or perhaps find an online course for mastercam/ fusion 360?