A study was conducted to identify training activities that are helpful in preparing secondary school students to become effective workers. First, 12 activities designed to prepare secondary school leavers for clerical/administrative jobs were identified through a literature review and a pilot study of 468 final-year secondary school students in Queensland, Australia. The relative effectiveness of those activities was examined through interviews of 4 groups of individuals: 21 grade 12 school leavers; 12 new recruits in clerical positions who had just completed grade 12; 14 individuals who had been in the clerical work force for 12 months; and 11 supervisors. The interviewees were asked to rate the activities in terms of helpfulness in preparing school leavers to perform clerical jobs. Follow-up clarification interviews and case studies of eight selected members of the four groups were also conducted. It was concluded that, although the education system must introduce specific work preparation activities, much of school leavers' success in the work force depends on their own basic skills, such as self-initiative and self-discipline. A combination of basic skills preparation before work force entry and on-the-job training was determined to be the critical factor in making a successful transition from school leaver to effective worker. (Contains 74 references.) (MN)