A study examined whether there were any differences in the performance of apprentices trained in off-the-job, on-the-job, or in-plant training programs. A 1984 apprentice intake sample of over 500 apprentices and information supplied by 16 in-plant training centers and 9 colleges were used to collect data on the job performance of apprentices in the following trades: fitting and machining, electrical, sheet metal, and motor mechanics. Because of problems with program variations and training pattern inconsistencies, no effective measure could be devised to compare the performance of electrical occupations and motor mechanics apprentices placed in different types of training programs. With respect to fitting and machining, however, apprentices at off-the-job training centers developed higher levels of practical skills, and accelerated apprentices attached to training centers showed higher levels of skill development than did their nonaccelerated counterparts. In sheet metal, on-the-job apprentices generally worked faster than training center apprentices on their college modules. Thus, it was recommended that more accelerated training programs involving close liaison and cooperation between training centers and colleges be developed. (Appendixes include the mathematics, reading, fitting and machining modules, and practical electrical tests used in the project, the observation and interview schedule, a fitting and machining two-way analysis of variance, and study recommendations based on 1983 appendice intake. A select bibliography is also provided.) (MN)