Earning, learning, and access to support: The role of early engagement in work, employment skills development and supportive relationships in employment outcomes for vulnerable youth in New Zealand

•Work-based experience assists vulnerable youth to secure full-time work.•Supportive adults are important in employment outcomes for vulnerable youth.•Matching education to specific needs of these youth may assist in work transitions.•Risk behaviors do not appear to undermine chances vulnerable youth will secure work.•Neighborhood and family risks do not undermine employment prospects of these youth.