A study identified the competencies needed by full-time employees entering the apple production industry. Other objectives of the study included: (1) identification of differences among competency areas needed for employees working for large, medium, and small growers (based on acreage); and (2) identification of differences among competency areas needed by employees working for growers with fresh market, processing market, or a combination of marketing outlets. One hundred fourteen Adams County, Pennsylvania, apple growers rated 210 competency statements, resulting in 195 of those statements being rated 3.0 or higher. Regardless of the size of the operation, growers were in agreement on their ratings of competencies for entry-level employment of 18 of 21 competency areas. Furthermore, principal market outlet was not a factor in the growers' ratings of 20 of the 21 competencies involved. Recommendations included using the project-developed survey instrument in competency assessments with other fruit tree growers and using the results of the study in developing instruction for vocational agriculture students preparing to enter the apple production industry. The survey instrument is appended. (MN)