From a list of 853 male inmates working in industries in India's central prison in Madras, the study used 105 inmates for the sample. Vocational instructors were asked to rate the increase in work skills achieved by each inmate since entering the work program. Data on inmates' background and work assignments were obtained from correctional records and interviews with the subjects. Findings show that in the acquisition of work skill, only educational background and vice-level (alcohol consumption, etc.) are important inmate background influences, with higher educational background contributing to the acquisition of work skills and a high vice-level dampening the achievement of work skills. A whole range of factors associated with the nature of the work assigned were found to be significantly related to work skill acquisition. The mode of work assignment (whether inmates can choose the work according to their interests), the working conditions, the acceptance and perceived usefulness of work programs, and willingness to change the assignment were all factors having a bearing on the acquisition of work skills by inmates. Thus, these findings place the primary responsibility of work skill development upon management policy and implementation which will elicit inmate motivation and job satisfaction. Tabular data and 6 references are provided.