The central purpose of this thesis is to analyse and discuss a number of selected issues that are relevant to adult students within the higher education sector and work organizations. A specific objective of the higher education sector should be to facilitate lifelong learning through the provision of adult education and training. There is a need for workers to up-date their knowledge and skills, and in relation to work organizations, adult education and training should be seen as important and necessary from the perspective of employees and employers. There is therefore a need for work organizations to invest in, and support employees adult education and training. The education and training of adults must be seen to occupy a central rather than a peripheral role within the higher education sector and work organizations. There is also a need for the higher education sector and work organizations to recognize and develop adequate and appropriate support structures in order to facilitate and increase adult education and training. In this thesis, there is both a European Commission and Irish perspective to the review of the literature. Relevant publications are reviewed in the context of adult education and training within the higher education sector and work organizations. To broaden the context of the research work, three themes emerged from the review of the literature, and they are seen as central to an understanding of the dynamics of educational provision for adult students, and are integrated as core issues throughout this work. The three themes are paid educational leave, Access courses and adult educational guidance. The methodology employed in this research work involved a combination of questionnaires and interviews. Data was collected from graduates in two higher education institutions, from work organization representatives and Access Officers. The results were analysed using both a quantitative and qualitative approach. The thesis concludes with key recommendations relevant for future developments in the context of adult education and training.