This article reports on a mixed methods study that investigated aspects of formal, non-formal and informal learning for workers and adult high school learners seeking literacy and essential skills. Three key themes emerged from the qualitative data: motivations for participation in various forms of learning; seeking out informal learning activities and pedagogical practices in the teaching; and learning interactions of workers and adult learners. Findings from the quantitative analysis also seemed to indicate that workers and adult learners acquiring literacy and essential skills tend to possess both the resources and readiness to continue their lifelong learning in the less formal settings.