This article highlights lessons from the experience of running a workshop that provides basic education. It focuses on the workshop that has been run for four years at Wakefield District College in England to support individuals from the community or students in college courses who need help with basic skills. The flexibility allowed by the workshop in attendance, provision, and learning situation is emphasized. Physical requirements and resources are also discussed. Information is provided on assessing the student's need, providing for student interaction, and keeping student records. The role and responsibility of the tutors are considered in some detail. Attempts to reach students who find it difficult to attend the workshop are also reported. Finally, the workshop is described as the central focus of all the basic education and support work in the area, including support for full- and part-time students as well as the traditional literacy and numeracy instruction. (YLB)