In this article we calculate the magnitude of occupational segregation pre- and post-labour market entry for young people using the Karmel and Maclachlan IP index. Our data refer to 22,280 males and 17,678 females who entered the labour market during the period 1988-91. Our results show that the magnitude of segregation is substantial, and is higher prior to young people's entry to the labour market than it is once they have entered the market. Furthermore, occupational segregation in the planned Youth Training market exceeded that for the competitive job market, thereby having a greater effect in perpetuating gender stereotypes. Several recommendations are made to change policy and practice to reduce gender segregation in the youth labour market