The way school students understand work through their paid part-time work and participation in school-based apprenticeships has the potential to inform career decision making and further education pathways. Through classroom-based interventions this project sought to assist student's and teacher's understandings of 'authentic' work experiences. The role of the school and teachers in preparing students for vocational outcomes raises many issues, including the support and skills required to facilitate discussion and activities on the realities of the working world. Reflection upon work experiences, when directed effectively by teachers, enables students to critically appraise the world of work beyond school and post school pathways. (Contains 9 tables.)