Meaningful participation in a technological society requires increasingly complex skills. A previous study (1966) revealed no job openings for 79 occupational programs offered by state and federal prisons, indicating that correctional institutions face a particular challenge in providing relevant occupational education for the rehabilitation of inmates returning to the world of work. In this study of the desire for occupational training and the occupational preferences of 100 male inmates, data were collected by use of a personal data card, a questionnaire, and the Kuder Preference Record, Form C. The mean educational level for the inmates was 9.3 years. At the time of their present offense, 41 percent did not have full-time employment. It was found that (1) Inmates' occupational prestige values correlate at .899 (rho) with other individuals, (2) Employment stability and security are valued more than change for advancement, high pay, local employment, or favorable working conditions, (3) 89 percent of incoming inmates desire occupational training, and (4) 92 percent were willing to take remedial courses. Appropriate occupational education offerings for prison inmates appear to be courses in driving, welding, mechanic and repairman, radio and television, and construction occupations. (CH)