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'Innovative pathways' is a three-phase research project examining non-conventional Year 12 and 13 programs at seven New Zealand schools that are regarded as being successful in assisting 'at risk' students in their transition from school to work and/or further education and training. In phase one, which began in early 2002, school staff, a sample of external providers, 17 students from each of the schools and parents were interviewed and additional data was collected on students' prior qualifications and attendance rates. In phase two, at the end of 2002, school staff were interviewed about the transition support they provided and the outcomes for students, students were interviewed about the transition support they received and their plans for the future, information was collected about student qualifications and attendance and parents were also interviewed. In phase three, in mid 2004, follow-up interviews with the students were conducted to ascertain the longer-term impact of the programs on their post-school destinations and experiences. This paper presents some of the emergent findings of phase three and uses data from phase two to explain some of the trends observed. Key messages to come out of this study include: the school was the main place young people had gained transition support and advice; students found that information, experiences and advice tailored to their interests and which gave them hands-on experience was most useful; and experiential learning such as work experience was one of the key factors that supported career decision making. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.