The objective of the study was to compare selected personal characteristics of electronics technology students in Wisconsin Schools of Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education with characteristics of practicing electronics technicians in industry. Data were gathered from 124 technicians, 178 post-secondary school students, and 28 school dropouts. Four variables were identified which discriminated among the criterion groups: interest in agriculture, hobby in electronics, attitude toward supervision, and attitudes toward work. Positive attitudes identified with these variables were found to be characteristic of students and technicians and uncharacteristic of the dropouts. While educational background differences favored the students, technicians were significantly higher in positive attitudes and higher aspirations. Employer data showed a preference for formal preparation beyond the high school, with the Wisconsin Schools of Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education receiving good support. A positive relationship was found between educational opportunity provided by the employer and a positive attitude toward supervision. Findings of the study are detailed in narrative and tabular form. Recommendations are made for the schools and for employers, with suggestions for further study. (MF)