A pilot study assessed the effectiveness of two selection profiles that were designed to evaluate candidates for admission into prevocational hairdressing and automotive mechanics programs. The selection profile, which was developed by the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) National Centre for Research and Development, consisted of the following measures: tests of basic mathematics and reading comprehension, a trainability test (a practical test specific to the relevant trade and designed to measure aptitude for training), a school statement on achievement and attitudes, biographical data and a personal statement from the applicant, and an interview. Thus, the profile measured both aptitude and motivation. The profile was found to be satisfactory from the standpoint of its validity, reliability, and utility. It was decided, however, that a longitudinal study of the profile approach should be negotiated with one or more TAFE authorities so as to gain a clearer understanding of the profile's long-term validity and that a cost-benefit study comparing the existing student selection system and the profile approach be conducted. It was also recommended that any measures developed for off- and on-the-job performance be based on objectives derived from a thorough occupational analysis of the job in question and should take account of the occasion and circumstances in which the performance is expected to be demonstrated. Copies of the mathematics, reading comprehension, and trainability tests; the school and personal biographical statement forms; interview schedules and rating sheets; a note on the correlation study; and a description of the criteria for assessing hairdressing students are appended. (MN)