The factors influencing the educational-vocational pathways of Australian school-leavers were examined through a study of a representative national sample of Australian school-leavers. The study sample consisted of 2,709 pupils from the 1970 Youth in Transition cohort, who were first tested as part of the Australian Studies of School Performance in 1980 and contacted again in 1985 (when the mean age of the sample was 15.5 years). In 1991, 1,258 of the cohort responded to a follow-up survey. The educational achievements of the group were reflected in their occupational status in 1991. The percentages of respondents working in occupations by level of formal qualification required were as follows: degree, 11%; diploma, 19%; certificate/trade, 26%; and no formal educational qualification, 44%. Significant differences were found between the educational status of the 4 groups even in terms of their literacy and numeracy at age 10. The proportion of females working in occupations requiring a degree was double that of males. Fewer females worked in occupations requiring trade or certificate requirements. Rural location did not have a statistically significant impact on educational level of the occupation attained in 1991. Mixed patterns of results were found for socioeconomic status and ethnicity. (Contains 12 references.) (MN)