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This is a preliminary study which examined entry level employment for people with disabilities in the light of the training reform agenda and award restructuring. The brief for the project sought information about the impact of competency standards, competency-based training and the reform of entry level training on people with disabilities. Information was to be sought in relation to at least two different industries and both small and large size businesses, and from both an organisational perspective and from the perspective of the individual with a disability. Entry level employment is usually thought of as occurring in the age range 15-19 years. The study examined the contemporary literature and investigated employment and training in the automotive and hospitality industries. A case study approach was adopted in which the employment and training experiences of 10 people with various disabilities were examined. A list of potential effects, both positive and negative, of award restructuring and training reform was developed from the consultation process. These were examined in the light of the experience of employees with disabilities and employers. Results from a preliminary study of this kind are tentative rather than conclusive. However, for people with disabilities it does seem that the training reform agenda is both a threat and an opportunity. The study suggest several modifications which should be considered in developing assessment policies and argues for the linking of competencies, slow workers' permits and other sub award wage assessments to a national competency standards scheme for people with extensive handicaps for employment. These preliminary results suggest that further research is needed. Methodological considerations for such a study are set out in the final section of the report. In addition 20 related issues were identified as worthy lines of inquiry.