Evidence tells us that the peak time for learners leaving a programme of learning occurs in the first 3 months. This report responds to the challenge this presents to the work-based learning sector and offers practical solutions for combating this trend. With illustrative case studies, it shares the lessons learnt from a number of action research projects that explored different approaches to preventing early drop out. This report forms part of a suite of four publications to emerge from action research projects commissioned by the Learning and Skills Development Agency in 2002/03 and funded by the Learning and Skills Council. Each publication synthesises the strategies tested and gives other providers in the sector clear guidance on how to improve learner outcomes.