The economic downturn and growing skills mismatch dramatically highlight the importance of programs that retrain workers for the demands of the current workplace. The career and technical education (CTE) system has played a large role in the development of these programs, and CTE educators are leading efforts to ensure that new and newly redesigned programs are relevant and accessible to those most in need of additional education and training. CTE programs offer a wide variety of workers the opportunity to update their current skills, develop new skills and knowledge, and obtain the necessary certificate or degree for desired employment. Institutions target the adult learner through short-term and accelerated programs that decrease the time required for completion; utilize flexible learning approaches to account for students' other responsibilities; concentrate education and training on high-demand career areas to ensure students are prepared for jobs that exist in local economies; and include wrap-around support services to increase student success. (Contains 4 endnotes.)