Question: I'm new to C++ and am wondering how much time I should invest in learning how to implement template classes. Are they widely used in industry, or is this something I should move through quickly?

Answer: 
You'll need them sooner or later ;) But for a beginner they are a bit tricky to write (but easy to use, so use STL intensively). And after mastering other c++ skills (const-correctness, operators overloading, learning about compilation units etc) and gaining some experience you will start coding templates for yourself. So my advice: use them but learn how to write them when you'll find you need them. It will be much quicker and effective learning if you gain some experience with standard c++ constructs first.
I'd say understanding templates is a requirement for modern C++ style and idioms and getting the most out of the language. They aren't as difficult as one is often made to believe. If you are a beginner I'd absolutely recommend a book like [Accelerated C++](http://www.buschnick.net/Book_Reviews/About.shtml#Accelerated%20C++) which offers a very gentle and natural introduction to templates.