This paper examines adult vocational education in the context of the current vocational education system. The first of four major sections defines and discusses the background of adult vocational education. In section 2, a typology of vocational education is presented, followed by a discussion of three funding categories as they relate to adult programs. These funding categories include (1) programs supported by public funds; (2) programs supported by private funds; and (3) programs that are cooperatively funded by local, state, federal, or private sources. In the third section, suggested models for designing a learning environment for adult vocational education are given. The final section examines selected adult populations with special needs for vocational education, including women, individuals with handicaps, and the disadvantaged. (CT)