A comparison was made of the division of responsibility for preparation of workers for employment as between private and public institutions in France, Great Britain, Italy, and West Germany. First, the effects of the Industrial Revolution on job qualifications, apprenticeship, and secondary education were noted. Next, postwar changes and trends were examined in attendance laws, educational structures, and the function of the schools; in manual skill training (including vocational education and on the job training); in training for supervisors and office and sales workers; and in training for scientists, engineers, and technicians. Finally, national analyses were made in the furniture, steel, and chemical industries, with emphasis on technological dynamism versus conservatism, differing managerial styles, formal versus informal training, and the impact of economic pressures. These were among the major conclusions: (1) informal on the job training was still predominant in European industry; (2) France and West Germany (especially the former) had well developed systems of terminal vocational secondary education and postsecondary engineering and scientific training; (3) Great Britain seemed most in need of changes in the basic training pattern. (Footnotes and nine tables are included.) (ly)