A participant observation study, located in central Scotland, was carried out to observe the process of skill acquisition among informally trained auto mechanics in the workplace. As well as noting processes of workplace learning, the benefits/limitations of this type of learning was noted and suggestions made as to how this information may be of benefit to the development of vocational education programmes for mechanics. Although it is accepted that workplace learning by itself does not create an adequate formal training programme, it is an important constituent of most training regimes and, as such, the processes of skill acquisition should be of interest to those involved in the development or presentation of such programmes.