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This report summarises the most recent research for young people up to 24 years of age with the aim of providing a clear picture of young people's participation in vocational education and training (VET) and the impact and role of VET on their transitions to work. Using longitudinal research findings where possible, it seeks to answer the following questions: (1) How important is VET for young people? (2) Is VET helping the transition from school to work? (3) What factors impact on the employment outcomes that result from VET? The statistics indicate that VET is clearly an important pathway for young people, and could also benefit the 'at risk' group who experience multiple or prolonged periods of unemployment. However, until now, researchers have lacked an accurate understanding of the role VET plays in assisting the transition to work for young people. The difficulty in researching transitions and outcomes for young people is due to the individual and complex nature of their pathways from school to the workplace or further study. By tracking young people, researchers are now able to conclude that VET does assist the transition to work, although the smoothness of this transition does vary depending on student demographics and the nature of the VET program undertaken. Students undertaking certificates 1 and II may not, in the short term, attain the jobs they hoped for without further study. Career development services can have a positive impact on transitions by better informing prospective students of the typical outcomes and further study required after completing particular VET courses.