A study identified factors that a random sample of West Virginia nontraditional and traditional secondary vocational education completers perceived as barriers in obtaining their career goals. A survey instrument was mailed, and a sample of nonrespondents was contacted by telephone. Chi-square statistics were used for analyses. The large majority of both samples (traditional and nontraditional) liked their vocational experience, would choose the same program again, and would recommend their program to a friend. Nontraditional completers most often enrolled because the "program sounded interesting"; traditional completers chose the program because they "wanted to learn a skill." Parents supported the respondents' vocational choices, but nontraditional completers received less support and more opposition. The students themselves, vocational teachers, and parents were of most help with career choice. Students helped themselves the most for education or job placements. Over half were employed 10 months following program completion. The average mean income was higher for the traditional completers for the first and present job. The supervisor reported that they were required to do work not required of opposite sex coworkers. The majority were satisfied with their present job even though they were unhappy with salary and advancement potential. (YLB)