The impact of developments in work organizations on the skilling process in the United Kingdom was studied through a macro analysis of available statistical information about the development of workplace training in the United Kingdom and case studies of three U.K. firms. The macro analysis focused on the following: initial training arrangements; routes to training and vocational qualifications; continuing education and training; volume of training in Great Britain; recipients of training; sources of funding for continuing training; employer motives for training; continuing training by industrial sector and firm size; and the U.K. labor market and industrial relations trends. The case studies examined the organizational structures and training practices of a major British motor vehicle manufacturer, a large U.K. banking group, and a chemicals manufacturing subsidiary company of a large multinational petrochemical corporation. It was discovered that approximately half the British work force receives some training. Because most training was being provided to workers already in possession of formal qualifications, however, workplace training appeared to do little to overcome the problems associated with the generally low level of initial vocational training in Britain. (Thirty-nine tables/figures are included. The bibliography contains 23 references.) (MN)