The dynamism of social processes, the development of technologies, and the modernization of industrial production require raising the education and qualifications of blue-collar workers, particularly working young people. This accounts for the focus on problems of that group's formation, their integration into society, their acquisition and accumulation of knowledge and qualifications. Data from sociological surveys in industrial enterprises of major cities in Russia show the diverse ways in which young people prepare for the labor force, and point to the need to improve the educational services that are available to them. (Contains 3 notes.) [This article was translated by Kim Braithwaite.]