This article deals with informal networks and their role in young people's strategies of coping with the uncertainties of transitions to work. The underlying hypothesis is that informal networks have a high potential in this regard that, however, is strongly differentiated according to class and education. Drawing on West German data from the framework of a European research project, the transitions of young people with "choice biographies" are compared with those of young people with low resources and at risk of disengaging with the transition system. The question extends to asking whether or not policy interventions for so-called "disadvantaged youth" can compensate for these disadvantages by building and reinforcing network structures that bridge the gap between peer relationships and the more formal world of education, training and the labour market. (Contains 2 notes.)