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This paper reports on a study that compares past and present training practices in large Australian firms. It investigates the operation of major drivers of workplace training and identifies a set of training practices which lead to successful business outcomes. The research points to a number of trends resulting from organisational changes and recent developments affecting the workforce. These trends include an increased emphasis on generic skills training and the devolving of responsibility for training to line managers. Large firms are increasingly providing training which leads to externally recognised qualifications. Individuals are tending to take responsibility for their own training, career planning and lifelong learning. Successful training practices in large firms also involve evaluation of training. Three elements that are found to be fundamental for best practice in training and learning in large Australian firms are: (1) an organisational culture that supports learning; (2) mechanisms that link training to the business strategy; and (3) mechanisms that link training to workplace change.