The survey sample consisted of 2,158 individuals who were questioned in 1985 and 1987. Individuals from the highest status families had the best examination results, and unemployment was highest for subjects from nonskilled families. Educational and training routes taken by subjects at 16 years of age were related to their home backgrounds and places of residents, and most strongly to their own educational attainment. Females were more likely than males to remain in full-time education after 16 years of age, while more males obtained full-time jobs. It was possible to distinguish five main career trajectories followed by the sample: academic track; education other than the academic track; transition from school to job; transition from education to training and then to employment; and unemployment. The survey results are discussed in terms of the transition to adulthood and the development of self-concept. 18 references, 6 tables.