This book brings critical analysis from a number of prominent contributors to explore current vocational education provision for the 14-19 age group in the United Kingdom. Section 1, The Evolution of the Work-Related Curriculum, contains three chapters: "The Growth of the Vocational Imperative: Initiatives, Trends, and Language Games" (J. J. Wellington); "Connecting Curriculum to Work: Past Patterns, Current Initiatives, and Future Issues" (an interview with Tony Watts); and "The Importance of the Institution: The Case of the Technical and Vocational Education Initiative" (David Finegold). Section 2, Education for Employment?, consists of two chapters: "Fit for Work? Recruitment Processes and the 'Needs of Industry'" (J. J. Wellington) and "Restoring the Implicit Promise in Schooling? Observations of Compact in Action" (J. J. Wellington). Two chapters comprise Section 3 on New Technology and the Vocational Imperative: "The Technological Bandwagon: New Technology and the Drive for 'Relevance'" and "Responding to the Technological Imperative: Two Examples of the City Technology College Program in Practice" (J. J. Wellington). Section 4, Student Identity and the Work-Related Curriculum: Vocational Initiatives Make Way for a New ERA [Education Reform Act], contains three chapters: "Gender Equality in the Work-Related Curriculum: Policies and Practices in One Region" (Val Millman); "Great Accidents in History: Vocationalist Innovations, the National Curriculum, and Pupil Identity" (Maggie MacLure, Ian Stronach); and "The Rise and Fall of the Work-Related Curriculum" (Ian Jamieson). Two papers are found in Section 5, The Education-Work Relationship for the Future: "Education and the World of Work: Clarifying the Contemporary Debate" (Wilfred Carr) and "The Changing Nature of Work: Responses from Education" (William Richardson). The book ends with "Concluding Remarks: The Vocational Imperative: Which Way Now?" (J. J. Wellington). Appendixes include a glossary, education for employment chronology, and index. (YLB)