Depression-era vocational programs trained local workers and "warehoused" the unemployed. Examines Depression-era enrollments in federal vocational programs and analyzes mechanisms affecting the match between federal policy goals and local policy outcomes in three southern states. Black enrollments responded to funding differences. White enrollments responded to urban employment opportunities. Vocational programs absorbed white secondary students rather than unemployed people, and comprehensive high schools warehoused the unemployed. (Contains references.) (SM)