A study, part of a doctoral dissertation at Oklahoma State University, identified those clerical occupations that fall within the realm of the office assistant program. It also determined from employers major concerns and problems encountered in terms of employee performance in selected occupations. Phase I collected data from 22 instructors of Office Assistant Programs at area vocational schools in Oklahoma. The 22 occupations that were identified most often by the instructors as ones in which they provided training became the list of occupations of reference with the employers. The 77 employers were identified by instructors as hirers of graduates of their programs. Employers identified occupations for which they had positions, the one occupation that caused them the greatest concern, and specific skills and qualities of concern within that occupation. The secretarial occupation was indicated by employers as causing the greatest concern. Specific employer concerns were employees' grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary. Another major concern was time management. Basic skills and work attitudes were primary attributes sought by employers rather than new technology trends. Recommendations were that business educators should emphasize skills sought by employers and should generate occupational awareness of skills and qualities needed for success. (Survey instruments are appended.) (YLB)