To investigate the extent to which Illinois gainful home economics cooperative education programs have contributed to the employability of graduates, questionnaires were mailed to 1969 and 1970 graduates seeking current employment status, ratings on the contribution of the training to specific employment competencies, current employer's assessment of graduate readiness in specific employment competencies, and necessary entry skills. Usable returns from 188 of the 691 graduates revealed that: (1) 62 percent were employed at the time of the study, (2) The most job satisfaction received was from working with people, while most job dissatisfaction was related to the job situation, such as working conditions, (3) Greatest training contributions were in the areas of getting along with people, using time and energy, and handling new or unpleasant situations, (4) Entry level skills considered important by employers were generally in the areas of personal factors, and (5) Initial adjustments to employment conditions, specific work tasks, and speed that comes with experience were identified as difficult areas. Sample questionnaires and other study materials are appended. (SB)