A research project chronicling the nature and extent of the structured staff development undertaken by teachers and trainers employed at public and private providers of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia was one component of a larger study that examined the changing role of staff development for VET teachers and trainers. Data for the study were obtained from a telephone survey of human resource personnel at 384 VET providers and from a mailed survey of 686 teachers and trainers. The study found that staff development activities, classified as formal qualifications and structured education and training activities, were common in most institutions. Public providers, however, were likely to have more staff development structures and programs than private VET providers, since private providers are more likely to hire only teachers who already have all the training needed for the job. Teachers were more likely to have already achieved formal qualifications in a subject area and then to take additional formal qualification courses or education and training activities in teaching methods. Teachers cited pressures from work and difficulties with location and timing of staff development opportunities as significant barriers to engaging in staff development activities. The study concluded that a significant amount of staff development is occurring throughout the country, but that further research is needed to determine what kind of training is needed for the "new professional" of the future. (Contains 14 references.) (KC)