Data from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC-OCSE) show that Italian Adults’ level in literacy, numeracy and problem solving ability is the lowest one between the 24 countries participating in the survey. These data, elaborated in a national report (ISFOL, 2014), indicate two major issues: firstly, a general lack of participation in formal learning activities after completion of compulsory studies, then a low need for Vocational Training and Adult Education among Adults from 16 to 65 years. Starting from these evidences, this paper discusses the reasons underlying this negative situation. According to an historical point of view, the aim is to highlight delays in Vocational Training policies and stress structural weaknesses in Italian Adult Education System. Only by means a broad rethinking of the meaning and of the role of Adult and Vocational Education at all levels (institutional, social, educational, etc.) Italian people can understand and realize to full access the emancipative and transformative potential of Training and Education in Adult life.