A study compared the effectiveness of on-the-job work experience (CO-OP) with pre-employment laboratory experience (PEL) of the six instructional areas in vocational education. This was accomplished by obtaining the perceptions of program completers (1983 graduates), participating employers, and vocational education teachers from seven sample school districts across Texas. Three individual survey instruments were constructed to collect information from the three sample groups using personal and telephone interview techniques. Data were entered into the Statistical Analysis System for data processing and analysis. Findings indicated that combination PEL/CO-OP seems to be the most effective strategy for preparing students for entry-level employment. Existing and continuing support from employers has been established, since the majority feel that the vocational education programs are adequately preparing students for entry-level employment. (The three instruments are appended.) (YLB)