This monograph provides advice for local officials and Private Industry Council (PIC) members about youth employment and unemployment problems and strategies for solving them. The first part of the monograph sketches the problem of unemployment and its roots in a changing economy, youths' lack of basic skills, and the mismatch between the needs of the economy and skills acquired. Following this discussion of the scope of the problem, a short section probes whose responsibility is the solution of the problem and suggests roles for all segments of the community--government, schools, and employers. The paper then suggests strategies for filling the "functional gap" between school and work. Ideas are given for state governments, PICs, and local education offices. A section on setting goals is followed by a discussion on who is served by the plans to be developed. Finally, the monograph suggests the role the federal government can play in a job training system. (KC)