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In recent years, much attention has been paid to how young people in the ‘not in education, employment or training’ group can get education or work, not only to ensure welfare and social mobility but also because education constitutes an important bridge between childhood and adult life. This article discusses the usefulness of work pedagogy for young people in this transition Theoretically, the article draws on a socialization theory concept of life history and a critical theory concept of work. Methodologically, it is based on a narrative autobiographical interview with a young girl in a Danish ‘production school’. This enables a critical analysis of how young people's educational participation is closely linked to life history experiences and transitions from childhood to adult life. These experiences form the basis for the young people’s subsequent participation in various forms of (compensatory) adult education.