This is more an answer to "what are the prerequisites for training using Olympic lifts", but I expect you will find it useful since you are coming from a conventional weight training background. The Olympic lifts are great, but they are highly technical, so you will really benefit from a strong foundation.
1) Ensure you have adequate flexibility to avoid injury and poor form. For example, you should be able to do a full range overhead squat with at least of 1/3 of your typical back squat weight. This guide to mobility for Olympic lifts provides more detailed information: http://www.alexrothwell.com/articles/your-complete-guide-to-mobility-for-olympic-weightlifting
2) Ensure you have adequate core strength to stabilize and protect your spine during Olympic lifts. The above-mentioned overhead squat is actually quite good for developing core strength, although note that more conventional squats like the front squat you mentioned are better for leg development. Once you are fully into an Olympic program, you can drop the overhead squat.
3) Try to train somewhere where "missing" a lift doesn't break anything or make you look like a fool. You want to minimize your misses, but missing is scary enough already without having to worry about losing face in the gym or tearing up equipment. And you most certainly don't want to hurt yourself just to avoid a miss.
4) Start to develop your "explosiveness" with body weight exercises that have lower injury risk. For example, you can use box jumps, or sprint starts (with alternating leg staggers) where you only run the first 10 meters to mentally and physically train for power production.
I'm sure other commenters will have a lot to add. Have fun, be safe, and get strong!