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The project reported here set out to explore the educational, training and employment pathways available to, and taken by, young Indigenous people in the Goulburn Valley region of Victoria. Research prior to this project had found that racism was still a pervasive force in various institutions in the region and a major barrier to Indigenous participation and success. In addition, the research sought to highlight other key barriers and identify possible solutions to the low participation and attainment rates of Indigenous people in the area. The research included: a literature review; collation and analysis of previously unpublished data; three focus groups; and interviews with 26 individuals with an identified leading role in either vocational education and training (VET) provision directly, or in the mainstream and Indigenous community. The study found that while focus group participants were disproportionately female, in other respects they represented the broader Indigenous community in relation to educational attainments and post-school qualifications. Successful school completion rates were low, post-school course completions limited and not of a sufficient level or progression to lead to subsequent skilled employment. Without exception, attitudes to secondary schools tended to be neutral to negative. Very few focus group participants had a clear perception of post-study career options or 'vision' of their vocational future in five years time. The three most common negative influences in relation to education and training cited by focus group participants were: peer influence; negative family influences, including lack of discipline and drugs and alcohol; and personal problems. The belief is strong in the Indigenous community that mainstream education has failed Indigenous students. To some extent this is reflected in the outward flow from schools into post-school VET courses that are either specifically for Indigenous students or are small, flexible and student friendly. The large majority of Indigenous VET students rate 'being with Indigenous people' (in training courses) highly.