Patterns of youth transitions from school to work have changed and become more individualized and lengthy. Young people’s transition patterns are affected by extended periods of education, but also by changes in the workplace, with increased competition in the labour market, increased efficiency standards, and temporary jobs and more part-time working. Young people with the weakest resources find themselves in greatest difficulties. The established political welfare systems seem ill-designed to meet the risks that youth and young adults face. The one-sided activation strategy or job first-principle with increased demands on the individual appears to have reached its limits. Instead a social investment strategy is advocated, with a focus on flexible training possibilities close to working life.