Three basic concepts of education for employment are discussed. It is stated that vocational and academic education can no longer be compartmentalized. Education is mandatory for employment in modern society. Vocational education should be a basic objective of all education. Second, technological and economic progress demand change. Appropriately prepared persons must be highly adaptable, and this is viewed as requiring continuous learning. Finally, freedom of opportunity is measured by the individual range of choice. Education can increase this range. From these, five operation principles are discussed: not limiting vocational education to particular skills, school assistance, formal occupational preparation, and development of the individual. A unified system of vocational educational education is seen as necessary. It should begin in the lowest grades and continue throughout the educational experience. The curriculum should be spiral, and postsecondary occupational preparation should be a goal. The program should include fieldwork, and the school's obligation should continue past graduation. Creation of an occupational preparation system must be a continuing pursuit. (SLD)