Case studies of 16 firms across Australia that employ adult apprentices in the "traditional" trades were conducted to identify innovative ways of getting adults into the trades. The case studies included interviews with the firms' apprentice managers, training providers, and adult apprentices. Although some adult-friendly innovations were found, few companies had implemented a strategic model for recruiting and retaining adults in their key trades. About half the companies still used technical and further education as the main off-the-job training provider. New approaches to recruitment were boosting adult apprentice opportunities. Adult apprentices were completing individual blocks of training early. Employers and training providers were confident in adult apprentices but not confident that their numbers will rise. The information gathered during the case studies was synthesized into recommendations regarding the following issues: reviewing adult apprenticeship trends and policy; managing adult apprentice costs and wages; broadening adult trade and skill pathways; and training adult apprentices for skill gaps and shortages. The case study questions are appended. A companion document contains the case studies, which include both the employer training perspective and the perspectives of training providers and apprentices. The case studies involve firms in these trades: automotive, metal, electrical, building, aero, and printing. (Contains 53 references.) (MN)