Covering 5,891 trainees in a nationwide sample of 324 Manpower Development and Training Act (MDTA) classes, this longitudinal study concentrated on how trainee attitudes and motives relate to program completion versus dropping out, and to subsequent job histories. Wage rate, extent or duration of employment, completion, dropout status (for employment, for other reasons, or discharged), and relevance of MDTA training to subsequent work, were used as major criteria of program success. Racial and sex differences in life cycle stage (marital and family status), economic resources and pressures, attitudes toward work and skill learning,< efficacy (sense of control over one's fate), self-concept, and values, were surveyed by questionnaire. Program and individual factors (job seeking, skill level, impact of training, job placement, and others) were examined in terms of participation (completion or dropping out), wage rates, and employment level. In addition, effects of the administration of the questionnaire itself were noted. (LY)