This paper examines the effects of youth work experience on subsequent employability. The paper begins with a speculative consideration of the ways in which work experience might affect later employability. Three types of research literature are then reviewed: (1) economic studies of the relation between youth work and subsequent employment and earnings; (2) research on the effects of work experience on adolescent development; and (3) evaluation studies of employment and training programs. The next section presents a radical critique of current educational programs. It is suggested that the most effective means of enhancing youth employability would be to make more equally available attractive and rewarding employment opportunites and to increase the number of such jobs by improving the quality of work life. An ecological perspective which serves as framework for recommendations on research and programs is then proposed, and ten recommendations on programs and five on research are formulated. (Author/APM)