The decentralized structure and functions of labor unions and their educational programming are examined, and the support of federal and state legislation and colleges and universities are traced. The four union educational categories are labor education, apprentice education, vocational training, and self-improvement education. Labor education is nonvocational and includes training for union leadership, along with education regarding local, national, and international developments that affect the worker. Universities and colleges produce about 70 percent of the labor education programs, and cost-sharing arrangements are maintained between unions and the college programs. There are various financial options for labor education, including tuition aid benefits. Apprenticeship training usually begins after high school and extends for 2 to 4 years. Vocational education is responsive to labor market needs, is usually less than 1 year, and frequently is provided by the business or industry through collective bargaining. Self-improvement education focuses on basic skills and literacy and is either performed by unions alone or with the assistance of public schools. Three education and training roles performed by the AFL-CIO are also discussed. (SW)