Technological change, population ageing and low levels of basic skills among adults, are putting serious pressure on the Italian adult learning system. In Italy, 15.2% of jobs have a high risk of automation, and a further 35.5% may experience significant changes to how they are performed as a result of the introduction of new technologies. Italy also has an old and ageing population. Today there are 3.5 older persons (65+) for every ten working age adults (15-64) – the highest rate in the OECD after Japan – and this ratio is expected to increase to 6.6 by 2050. Finally, around 38% of Italian adults have low levels of literacy and/or numeracy proficiency, well above the OECD average of 26.3%. To cope with technological change, longer working lives and the increased skill demands of a knowledge-based economy, many adults will need training to keep skills up to date. In this context, the availability of high-quality adult learning options is crucial to support workers through these ongoing and deep changes.