Most of the earlier articles in this series have been aimed at the less experienced training officer who is a new hoy in a company employing 700 plus. This article is more relevant to the smaller firm, where the training officer may even have to combine this function with other duties. Obviously, some of the points raised in the article will apply also to the larger company, but this is basically a ground floor approach. The author is one of the training team at the Shoe & Allied Trades Research Association, who, besides running courses, carry out a considerable amount of consultancy work. The majority of companies in footwear manufacture have between 100 and 500 employees.