The experiences of 14 countries in the OECD are examined in order to address the issue of transition from compulsory education to work change and how it changed in the 1990s. The report also examines the data in relation to the types of transition policies and how well they worked. The report also examines the complex and faceted national institutional arrangements that can result in successful transitions to working life. The report also examines the ways in which countries attempt to lay foundations for lifelong learning during the transition phase through changes to educational pathways and institutions.