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This report examines innovative employment and labour market initiatives that have benefited young people, particularly but not only young people at risk. Most of these are locally based initiatives that address a number of challenges confronting young people. In selecting case studies, the project identified examples of best practice. A number of criteria are used to define best practice. These criteria are: improvement in the self-esteem and motivation of young people to work and learn; creation of the building blocks to well-paid jobs and learning opportunities; improvement in education and skills formation; sustainability, both economically and financially; well managed in terms of coordination of different stakeholders and delivering societal outcomes, economic, social and environmental; and benefits to young people. Nine case studies were selected that meet most or all of the criteria. These include examples of structured workplace learning, private sector initiatives, creative use of government funded employment and labour market programs, positioning young people in the 'new' economy, nurturing young entrepreneurs and social enterprises. Each case study is examined in terms of description, background, best practice principles, rationale, lead agency, other stakeholders, implementation and outcomes.