A national survey of electronic data processing (EDP) skills and training needs involved 16 representative firms that employed EDP staff. Separate semi-structured interview schedules were used to interview 266 job holders and 63 managers with responsibility for EDP staff and computing systems. Findings indicated 67 percent of EDP staff had not completed or had no tertiary qualification. Not all previous education was related to EDP work. Most staff came directly from tertiary training or previous employment. Managers sought to recruit those with tertiary qualifications related to job needs, but the most important criterion was previous work experience. In recruitment managers had unrealistic expectations, had difficulty recruiting staff, and showed reluctance to hire inexperienced staff and train them on the job. In-house training was not always provided. Staff found training ill-timed or inappropriate for their needs. Half of the managers admitted that training in their firms was inadequate. Career prospects for staff were not good in about one-third of the firms. Managers said schools should offer more courses on the computer. Staff indicated employers should provide better orientation, on-the-job training, and a career path. (Appendixes include EDP position profiles and interview schedules.) (YLB)