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A study examined the influence of such variables as aptitude, interest, personality traits, attitudes and aspirations, school achievement, and background on the post-high school training and career choices of secondary school students in South Africa. Data from various sources, including the Project Talent Survey begun in 1965 and continued with follow-up tests until 1980, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) Register of Graduates, the National Institute for Personnel Research, the HSRC's Centre for Child and Adult Guidance, and television research conducted by the HSRC were analyzed. Conclusive evidence exists that certain measurable variables such as school achievement, aptitude, interest, and some biographical characteristics can be used to develop statistical models for predicting study success and subject preferences. Persons such as guidance and subject teachers, parents, and friends do not have a marked effect on pupils' occupational choices and career decisions. Pupils' choice of school subjects and success in these are closely linked to intellectual potential and have a significant effect on pupils' postsecondary schooling and occupational choices. The lack of research on the effect of technology, urbanization, provision of training opportunities, population growth, and change in salary structures on pupils' occupational choices and career decisions became evident during the study. Such research should be conducted and used to develop guidance strategies and methods for use in industry and education. (MN)