A longitudinal study began with a sample of Missouri graduates from the class of 1981 and extended over a five-year period. Thirteen area vocational-technical schools along with their corresponding sending high schools participated. A strict random sampling procedure produced roughly equivalent samples, one of vocational graduates and a second of nonvocational graduates. Purpose of the study was to determine the successes or difficulties of graduates in using skills and knowledge acquired in high school to make a successful and economically rewarding transition from high school into the immediate post-high school years. The study compared and contrasted the samples, focusing primarily on economic aspects relative to salary and employment. Findings showed that vocational graduates earned more money, had more job stability, held more full-time jobs, and were more confident of their ability to compete for employment after graduation. The majority of vocational graduates were employed in an area related to their training. Graduates who worked in high school earned more after graduation. Nonvocational graduates were more likely to continue their education. Most graduates indicated job satisfaction. Graduates advised students to continue their education and advised educators to provide job experience, encourage further education, and provide job placement services and career counseling. (YLB)