The broken bridge

For young men and women the period between 16 and 19 is the bridge between compulsory schooling and the adult world. The needs of these young people vary according to the situation of the individual but include the availability of a full range of education opportunity, vocational preparation for immediate and longer term needs, information about the world of work, careers guidance and continuing opportunities for personal development both general and vocational. There are four main elements in the population crossing the bridge — those who stay on at school; those who enter non‐advanced further education; those who enter employment; and those who become unemployed.