A preliminary training and evaluation program was initiated by the Houston Area Agency on Aging. Several pilot training programs were tested, and information was gathered on the current and desired training status of personnel in service-providing agencies. Inspection of obective and subjective reports suggests that future training programs should focus on job-relevant issues and content rather than on general training in gerontology. Trainees in the pilot program indicated a preference for loosely structured, discussion-format training sessions over both traditional college courses and on-the-job (apprentice) training. Of critical importance for successful training was the advance preparation of printed instructional materials to be used by trainees as study aids. Suggestions for future development include the creation of instructional kits for on-site use, extensive job analyses of first- and second-level jobs, and the development of multi-level training courses in relevant areas. (Author)