This study of Alberta (Canada) grade 12 students examines educational achievements, further education plans, perceptions of the relevance of high school education, career goals, work experiences, and acquisition of work-related skills, concluding that: (1) there is a complex linkage between secondary and post-secondary education and between education and employment; (2) demographic and socioeconomic characteristics have a major impact on educational attainment and plans; (3) female students have higher achievement levels than male students; (4) attitude is a key factor in goal attainment; (5) costs are perceived as a barrier to educational goals; (6) students acquire a variety of job skills through high school courses, work experience programs, paid jobs, and volunteer work; and (7) students undervalue the job relevance of core academic skills. Report data tables and analyses are organized under the following headings: research methodology; socio-demographic and personal characteristics; educational status, achievement, preferences, and plans; evaluating high school education; work experience and plans; acquisition of employability skills in school and work. A copy of the 1996 Alberta High School Graduate Questionnaire is appended. (CH)