Considering the problems of education in the post-industrial era, the authors present the key concepts and make an attempt to describe the post-industrial reality as a volatile and complex system. Тhe authors discuss new approaches in technical and corporate education. A model of the development of «post-industrial education» is proposed, which helps to understand the main trends and challenges that await the education system in the future. The problems of «post-visual reality» and distance education are discussed, technical and organizational methods of its implementation are considered. In accordance with the concept of «life-long learning», conclusions are drawn about the changing roles of students and teachers.