The relevance of career education in meeting the needs of the disadvantaged is explored; the important components of a career education are presented; and suggestions are made for state planning. Career education is seen as the effort to help students integrate work oriented values into their lives and providing them with the experiences and opportunities they need to successfully pursue their continuing job interests. The essential components that should be included in a comprehensive career education system are: (1) design a comprehensive system of career ladder and lattices for occupational education; (2) design new systems and arrangements for interagency coordination; (3) redesign instructional programs at all educational levels to reflect career education objectives; (4) redesign counseling and guidance activities at all educational levels to reflect career education objectives; and (5) design advanced planning and evaluation systems. Before a comprehensive career education plan can be developed, several essential preplanning steps must be taken; these are (1) establish an "interactive network" between local college vocational education directors and job placement officers; (2) select occupation areas for development of career ladders and lattices; (3) establish advisory committees on local, regional, and state levels; and (4) develop and demonstrate a basic career education plan. Experience shows that six months to one year may be needed to complete statewide preplanning for career education. (DB)