This book is an examination of the historical development and contemporary operation of vocational schooling. By combining a critical social history of education-industry relations with a focus on the contemporary experiences of students, teachers and industrialists, this study presents challenging new evidence which suggests that vocational schooling is failing to achieve its aims. Instead of preparing students for the transition from school to work, this book suggests that schemes such as the Technical and Vocational Education Initiative are alienating young people from sectors of work in our society.