A study examined the vocational guidance needs of low-skilled young people in Italy. Research studies on the topics of guidance as a process of transmission, processing, and acquisition of knowledge and skills and the situation and life circumstances of young people were reviewed. The role of guidance within a framework of lifelong education and support for various transition processes were discussed. The main conclusions were as follows: the use of guidance structures and opportunities by low-skilled youths is heavily influenced by socioenvironmental context and the "culture" present in that context; a global approach to young people's living conditions encourages development of participation by population groups with low levels of culture and schooling; and development of participation and the global approach to problems determine the development of forms of positive discrimination in favor of low-skilled youth and a general push toward equal opportunities. Four recommendations regarding developing guidance services for low-skilled young Italians were presented. (Contains 95 references. Appended are 29 tables of data regarding exclusion of low-skilled young Italians from work and school.) (MN)