The employability of ex-offenders is critical in their becoming self-sufficient and in maintaining low recidivism rates. Therefore, vocational guidance and assistance programs become crucial necessities. This paper consists of a literature review, covering both criticism and support for vocational guidance and assistance programs, as well as identification of structural and demographic variables affecting their success. In addition, program reviews are presented where successful and non-successful programs are identified, along with those variables most likely to generate successful outcomes. The degree of success an employment assistance program displays can be demonstrated with even minor indications of reduced recidivism rates for program participants. Four highlighted programs indicate that vocational guidance and assistance programs for ex-offenders with specific structural and service components can be successful in reducing overall recidivism. These components would successfully address nine variables that impact employability: race, gender, age, education, "prisonization" effect, disparate sentencing laws, legal restrictions, the economy and labor market, and geographic community of residence. References