Workplace-based educational programs are not new. Recent perceptions of a national literacy crisis and the need for a competitive workforce, however, have resulted in the development of new programs across the country, many of which provide literacy and language training for nonnative English speakers. This digest focuses on the reasons for initiating workplace programs; types and essential features of programs; importance of conducting a needs assessment in order to determine appropriate curricula, materials, and teaching approaches; ways to design programs, construct curricula, and choose materials; and learner assessment. (VWL) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)