Using a cross-country framework which draws on the experience of the developed nations--Western Europe, Canada, the United States, and Japan--this study examines the way countries view the problems of the transition from school to work and the role of the transition services in smoothing the passage. Focus is on the formal and public transition services provided by official agencies at various levels of government which encompass information, guidance, placement, induction, and follow-up of young workers on the job. Stressing the experience of a few countries whose size or programs command attention, the study alludes to others when they have distinctive experience or policies. Greatest emphasis is placed on the problems and services for the age group which enters work after lower or upper secondary education. An introductory chapter outlines the objectives. Chapter 2 presents the basic discussion of the intermediary services of which the transition services are part. In chapter 3 the organizational structure of the transition services is analyzed. Chapters 4 and 5 deal with educational and occupational guidance, and chapter 6 reviews the issues and practice in guidance and counseling. Chapters 7, 8, and 9 are devoted to methods of finding jobs and official job placement efforts. Induction to work and the follow-up of young people in their early jobs are the subjects of chapter 10 while chapter 11 summarizes and discusses policy implications. The full 928-item bibliography is included. (JT)