This work uncovers the real history of modern youth, providing an explanation of its predicament that goes beyond the mainstream accounts as perpetrated by the sociology of youth. Tracing the development of training of young workers from 1814 the book reveals, for the first time, the creation by post-war legislation of the modern category of 'youth'. The book concludes that with the prevailing conditions of employment there is no longer any future for youth as 'youth'. The recent history of 'youth' is an attempt to recompose a sustainable existence for itself and society.