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This article reports on research that explores the role that vocational education and training (VET) can play in helping the transition from welfare to work. The research investigated several questions. What are the issues faced by this group in making a successful transition into employment? What is known about what makes for effective training for this group? What is the existing state of training provision for people receiving welfare payments in Australia and are there any examples of where this is working well? What are the relevant findings from international research into welfare-to-work education and training programs? What do VET providers need to enable them to deliver the most effective training possible for this group and are some providers better placed than others to meet these needs? How can VET programs be designed to fit with non-VET programs to provide a complete package of assistance to this group? The findings indicate that VET can provide a pathway to employment for disadvantaged students if training addresses their needs in a holistic manner and includes, where necessary, a preparatory pathway prior to commencement in a mainstream VET program to help promote effective training outcomes. The authors list a number of features of good practice.