This Issue Brief will explore the essential role that career and technical education programs play in addressing many of the issues faced by unemployed and underemployed workers. These programs target the adult learner through short-term and accelerated courses; utilize flexible learning approaches to account for students' other responsibilities; include wrap-around support services to increase student success; and concentrate on high-demand career areas to ensure students are prepared for jobs that exist in local economies. (Contains 33 endnotes.)