This study was concerned with the present and future status of company training for clerical workers among firms in the Greater Boston area, descriptions of formal training programs that these companies provide for their clerical workers and ones conducted by out-of-company agencies. Questionnaires were used to secure information about present and future training practices from managerial personnel representing 645 companies. For data concerning the structure of formal training programs, interviews, observation, participation, and printed or duplicated office materials were used. Findings include the following: companies prefer to train their own clerical workers; large companies have many training opportunities; there is a gap between training provided by schools and the clerical training required for on-the-job performance; technological changes indicate a need for training in data processing and technical secretarial skills; and valid evidence concerning the value of training programs is lacking. (author/nl)