This study was conducted to determine the usefulness of a general global reading test, a cloze test, and a vocabulary test as predictors of success, as well as the effects of an extended required study skills program on success and achievement, for students in mechanics programs at Keewatin Community College in Manitoba, Canada. The three criteria for success were first- and second-term grade point averages and drop-out rate. Nine correlational analyses, six one-way analyses of variance, and two chi-square analyses were used on the collected data to determine the predictive validity of each of the tests and the effect of the study skills program on student success in mechanics courses. The results of the analyses led to the following conclusions: (1) the global reading test was not useful as a predictor of success for the mechanics students; (2) the vocabulary and cloze tests were better predictors of success than the general reading test; (3) the cloze test was the better predictor of success; and (4) the required study skills program had a positive effect on student success and achievement. Recommendations were made on the use or discontinuation of these tests and the study skills program as a result of the study. (Author/KC)