The relationship between schooling and employability is both close and ambiguous; close because governments are always keen that education should promote those practical skills that are employable. To this end, considerable investment has been made in promoting the virtues of industry. The question remains whether all the initiatives have successfully developed more positive views in pupils towards the world of work and industry, in its broadest sense, in particular. The issue is explored through lengthy semi-structured interviews with pupils in Years 10 and 11, carefully balanced in terms of socio-economic background and their future intentions.