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This paper discusses the role of workplace education programs in developing adult basic skills. The focus is on how workplace-based programs can expand the options available to adult learners and the feasibility of engaging employers as part of a comprehensive system of lifelong learning for those adults needing to develop their skills beyond what they acquired in primary and secondary education. Human capital theory is examined as a means of understanding why companies provide their workers with basic training. Existing evidence of the types of programs funded by companies and the impact of these programs on the basic education skills of workers are presented. Strategies for supporting workplace education programs are recommended. They include leveraging public funds to increase private provision of educational programs and professional development to improve program quality. Future research directions are proposed.