The adult learning and skills sector is a diverse world, encompassing adult and community learning, apprenticeships, Train to Gain, and contracted employment programmes. The learning and skills sector plays a vital role in uncertain times by giving greater opportunities for social mobility, for example by supporting progression to further and higher education, and by contributing to local initiatives to promote community regeneration and cohesion. In a challenging economic environment, the author argues that the learning and skills sector needs to build on the strengths of its most successful providers and work closely with employers to make its programmes more relevant, more motivating and more productive. The author stresses that the complexity of the sector, changes in funding streams and the increasing demand for colleges and providers to be national experts as well as local champions, brings with it considerable challenges. Nevertheless, the sector's sound track record in responding to changing needs should equip the sector with the confidence and ability to meet these challenges and provide more relevant, more motivating and more productive programmes for learners and employers.