To demonstrate the value of employing "indigenous" adults as semi-professional workers in youth employment programs or agencies, this program was conducted between November 1964 and December 1965 in New York City. Sixty male and female adults aged 22 or older were carefully selected, to participate in 12 weeks of training with no guarantee of subsequent employment. Training consisted of a combination of on-the-job training, field trips, and classroom discussion and evaluation. General goals were: (1) identifying tasks that can be performed by semi-professional personnel, (2) developing methods to identify adults who can succeed in this field, (3) developing a training program, and (4) effecting changes in attitudes and degree of involvement on the part of professionals and institutions. Conclusions included: (1) when first hired, the nonprofessional worker needs a highly structured work situation, (2) the nonprofessional should be responsible to only one person in an agency, and (3) professional schools and associations need to explore the problem of professional supervision of nonprofessionals. Appendixes include trainee characteristics, job descriptions, lists of participating agencies, and copies of the training schedule and forms used. (ET)