A discussion of English as a Second Language (ESL) in the workplace looks at current challenges and future educational needs. It begins with an overview of adult immigrant demographics in the United States and federal government conclusions about the kinds of skills needed by this population. Challenges facing immigrant workplace education are then reviewed. They include the volume of services needed, fragmentation of service delivery, reluctance to offer ESL in the workplace when it is available elsewhere, disagreement over whether ESL should be considered education or training, and tension over curriculum between advocates of workplace education and workforce development. It is argued that despite a lack of research on workplace language tasks, some basic language functions are identified, including those of getting a job, surviving in the workplace, and thriving on a job. Some indicators of the quality of workplace education programs are outlined, and characteristics of successful delivery models are described. Costs and funding are also discussed briefly. (MSE) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse on Literacy Education)