A study was conducted to obtain pilot evidence that could serve as a basis for developing convincing methods for individual Australian companies to use in determining their returns from investment in training. The study attempted to replicate survey results from significant overseas surveys by using information collected on more than 90 Australian firms. The following 3 research designs were tested: 2 pilot studies that each examined 40 Australian firms; a "matched-pairs" study involving 12 firms; and in-depth case studies of 3 firms that undertake significant amounts of training. The following were among the main outcomes and findings: (1) Australian firms provide extensive training for their incoming employees; (2) Australian workers pay more for their training than U.S. workers do, because of lower starting salaries; (3) Australian employers gain only about two-thirds of the productivity increases from training that U.S. employers gain, but the training is probably as profitable to Australian as to U.S. firms; (4) hours of training provided by Australian firms are directly related to product-market uncertainty and unpredictability; and (5) firms' profitability is directly related to the quantity and quality of training provided. It was concluded that, to be truly convincing, the pilot surveys and case studies undertaken would need to be replicated with significantly larger samples. (Twenty-five tables/figures are included. The bibliography lists 19 references.) (MN)