Employment and training is becoming more critical than ever for success in the workplace. Faced with increased global competition, emphasis is being placed all the quality of a workforce particularly with regard to creating more flexible approaches and ensuring quality goods and services. This article reviews the participation of the University of Michigan School of Social Work with joint union-management teams in two innovative auto industry education/training programs. The author explores the organizational context and the specific challenges involved in working in the workplace as a "host" setting. Lessons learned from this experience re discussed along with the broader implications for social work and income adequacy.