The employability of secondary-level youth is considered by a youth employment company official in testimony to the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Attention is directed to ways in which young people, and particularly the economically disadvantaged, can acquire the necessary reading, writing, and math skills for on-the-job success. Educating youth in life skills, work habits, and positive attitudes for productive employment is also addressed. The work of 70001 Ltd, a youth employment company that helps high school dropouts overcome educational and employment barriers, is described, and the following conclusions based on the company's experiences are offered: young people learn better if they understand why the material is important to them; people of all ages will perform in accordance to expectations set for them; people will perform best when they feel they are making a contribution; although jobs require increasingly sophisticated skills, employers are willing to train people who demonstrate good work habits and attitudes; the concept of public/private partnership is a working reality; and the federal government has an important role to play in efforts to link education to higher productivity. (SW)