Interviews collected information from 135 graduates of the trades and industrial cooperative education training program, and 30 employers in Des Moines, Iowa, to appraise the effectiveness of training in relation to post high school employment. Graduates and employers commented on the value of core area training, school counseling, and different phases of the training program. It was found that the primary reasons for enrolling in the program were to gain work experience and earn extra money. Personal feeling and family influenced choice of core area. Sixty-two percent of the graduates were working at, or in, areas related to their high school training. Satisfaction was expressed with training, present job, and the school counseling and coordinating service. Employers felt training helped graduates secure employment and receive promotions. Graduates felt core area training could be improved by more production training and wider experience on shop equipment, while employers thought additional training in production work, business ethics, and employment procedures should be included in the core area training. (author/pt)