The Generic Skills studies were designed to provide training specifications that will enable graduates of trades training programs to compete for job placement in a range of occupations rather than in a single occupation. The studies identified a number of trade families, classified on the basis of skills used in work performance, and also identified the skill requirements for each of the trade families. Skills were identified through a questionnaire that measured the use of 588 trade tools, including portable hand tools power hand tools, test and diagnostic tools, shop machinery and equipment, wheeled vehicles, heavy mobile equipment, and associated safety processes. The questionnaire was administered to 1600 tradespersons, trades supervisors, technicians, technologists, and trades helpers, to determine which skills are used in work performance. A total of 131 occupations, mostly craft trades, were involved in the survey. The data were tabulated by occupation and by skill to determine which skills belonged to which occupations and which skills were required in all or most of the occupations. Commonality factors were determined for each pair of occupations identified and were used to formulate trade families. Lists of skills common to trade families were made up for mechanics, machinists, metal workers, woodworkers, and construction workers. In addition, a list of core skills common to all occupations was generated. (KC)