A study identified and assessed the relative importance of the factors contributing to the placement of students completing postsecondary machine shop programs in Florida. Data were collected from surveys of 1982-1983 program completers and instructors and placement officers at 19 of Florida's 23 postsecondary-level machine shop programs, as well as from in-depth case studies of 9 of the programs. Included among those factors identified as having a positive influence on student placement were adequacy of training, commitment of school personnel to placement of graduates, involvement with a cooperative program, relationship between instructor and employer or graduate and employer, and help from friends or relatives. Graduates' lack of adequate work experience and specific training, shortage of available jobs in the area, and insufficient employability skills training for students were the main factors cited as having a negative impact on student placement. Machine shop programs in the State were urged to develop more cooperative programs, and instructors were encouraged to provide more assistance to students in developing such employability skills as resume writing and preparing for job interviews. (Appendixes to this report include a list of postsecondary machine shop programs in Florida, cover letters to program completers and practitioners participating in the study, and the survey instruments.) (MN)