The largest segment of the American work force consists of high school graduates who have not attended college. New graduates usually start in entry-level positions but soon move into other occupations and other, often larger, organizations. Today's graduates should expect many changes that will affect their ability to succeed in the work force. These include demographic and structural changes, the effects of foreign competition, the requirements of new modes of organization, and the impact of new technologies. Employment opportunities are expected to be found in all kinds of organizations, especially small firms. The worker who will prosper in the future will strive for these core competencies required by employers: command of the English language, reasoning and problem solving abilities, reading, writing, and computation skills, a firm grounding in science and technology, oral communication abilities, positive interpersonal relationships, some understanding of American social and economic structures, and constructive personal work habits and attitudes. Employers, school boards, schools, parents, students, government, and community all share the role of preparing students adequately for work. Their closer cooperation is urged in developing the career guidance, information, and training that prospective workers and their teachers need. (YLB)