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This study, starting from the premise that the arrangements under which many people work are undergoing radical transformation and that more and more people are responsible for finding their own work through temporary short-term and contractual working arrangements, looks at 'loosely coupled strategic alliances' which have been occurring between contractors. Little is known about the knowledge, skills and attitudes required by contractors working in alliances with others to operate successfully or how the existing vocational education and training (VET) system meets these needs. This study used a case study approach to investigate the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate in new working arrangements where people operate as contractors in alliance with others, selecting six strategic alliances across New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania and across different industries. It is suggested that there are similarities in demands applying to contractors and employees in contemporary organisations because in contemporary work organisations changes in work structures have resulted in workers employed on a permanent basis also being expected to act like subcontracted workers.