With reference to data derived from a sample of young unemployed girls, the paper examines a number of themes related to the education and (un)employment of early school leavers. Of particular interest is the relationship between ‘women's work’ as traditionally defined and technological change. As traditional feminine forms of employment become more scarce, through for example technological innovation and the general economic recession, an attempt is made to consider the adequacy of existing career education and vocational guidance. Related to this, there is a consideration of the extent to which females have entered non-traditional forms of work, such as the skilled trades, and some of the problems encountered are discussed. In conclusion some policy considerations are suggested.
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