A study was conducted to identify the current needs of truck mechanic apprenticeship training programs, the problems experienced in these programs, and possible solutions to these problems. Research data was collected by the following methods: A questionnaire was completed by operating and maintenance people in the trucking industry in the Chicago metropolitan area; current literature on new methods as well as old in the solution of truck apprentice mechanic training were reviewed; and current regulations of apprentice mechanic training in conjunction with trucking associations, mechanics' unions, and federal and state regulating bodies were reviewed. Five areas of need which have caused problems when unfulfilled were identified as (1) economic conditions that determine the need for apprentices, (2) training facilities that are available and readily accessible to the apprentice, (3) willingness on the part of dealer management and the shop mechanics to take time to teach the apprentice, (4) willingness of the dealer to hire a man less qualified than a journeyman mechanic, and (5) willingness of the mechanics' union to encourage apprentice training in spite of recession in business. A recession-proof system, which includes a built-in reservoir of qualified in-training apprentices, is proposed. (The effects of such a system are discussed and further recommendations are given.) (BM)