TVET definition: the TVET meaning and what it stands for

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TVET definition: TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training.

Let’s dissect the meaning of each word from the accronym TVET:

  • Technical refers to: subject matters that are technical in nature, relating to hardware and software, including trouble shooting practises and engineering processes.
  • Vocational relates to: an occupation or an employment, often referring to hands-on skills within professional trades.
  • Education refers to: formal education, starting in high school and also including post secondary education, such as colleges, polytechnics and universities.
  • Training refers to: informal education, also called life long learning or continuing education, often used in initiatives of reskilling or upskilling company staff or a wider workforce.

So, what does TVET really mean?

In its essence TVET stands for education or training, which is technical in nature and aimed to provide skills for a person related to a profession, in order for that person to get a job and provide a livelyhood.

What are relevant topics of TVET?

TVET Systems

TVET is an important tool for government to decrease unemployment, to provide workforce to private sector, and to attract foreign direct investment.

Hence there are many fields of study such as policy, funding, frameworks, system reform, gender, TVET for sustainable development etc.

The part of government involved with these issues is often referred to as the local TVET authority.

TVET Institutions

There are many ways to execute TVET and the options range from publicly funded institutions (such as high schools, colleges, polytechnics and universities), to semi-private or private institutions run as corporate training centers or corporate universities.

Relevant topics here are demand analysis and close collaboration with industry, marketing and institution management, as well as student recruitment.

The institutions involved with execution are sometimes also referred to as TVET providers.

TVET Tools

Teaching technical subjects, is best done with a hands-on realistic approach.

The benefits are increased content retainment, better student engagement, improved critical thinking, more real-world experience and increased workplace safety.

Adequate training systems are necessary tools needed by all educators or trainers to effectively train the next generation technical workforce.

Edquip is a good place to find TVET training systems.

Further suggested readings:

Below a few of our popular articles, you can also explore of home page for more materials. If you are interested in contributing to TVET Journal we accept guest articles.

So, what are typical TVET jobs or professions?

TVET professions could be described as anything from: electricians, plumbers, building workers, heavy equipment operators, telecom technicians, automotive service personell, aviation maintenance technicians, machine operators, mechatronics and automation experts, industrial maintenance technicians etc. the list goes on and is very long.

Why TVET is important:

TVET is important because economic prosperity of a country is based on the education and technical expertize of its population.

Germany, Austria and Switzerland have world reknowned dual TVET systems, Canada has excellent reputation for TVET in their community college system, and Finland has a world leading education system in which TVET has major role.

Also, Singapore with no natural resources has grown into a south east asian powerhouse due to intelligent policy decisons regarding public-private collaboration in TVET. Last but not least, Chinas phenomenal growth is partly based on a heavy focus on TVET.

International sources of TVET authority:

Do you have suggestions of other international sources of TVET authority? Comment below!

Do you agree or disagree with our TVET definition? Comment below and join the conversation.

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25 thoughts on “TVET definition: the TVET meaning and what it stands for”

  1. Thanks for wonderful article and information.

    I really wanted to know about tvet financial strategy and management.

    Thank you.

    Reply

  4. I’m a student persuing TVET in Uganda, I would like to know if TVET has any employment opportunities for it’s trainees allover the world.

    Reply

    • Dear Robert, thank you for your comment. TVET is a wide field and it encompasses a large amount of different professions, for which the demand varies, also geographically. As a student you should primarily try to find an area which interest you, its very hard to be successful othervise and life is too short to do boring work. Do research and try to find local training programs, courses etc. and also make sure you ask the admissions office which industry partnerships they have, if they help organizing internships and placements during and after education. Hope you find your path, best of luck!

      Reply

  6. Great summary on TVET. Thank you
    Are specific documents on TVET on agriculture / agroforestry, specifically on small scale – subsistence?
    Best rgds
    MB

    Reply

  8. Thank you for your sharing information. I am from TVET Department from Myanmar Chamber of Commences. It is valuable thing. I like to make research and deliver training. So I want to learn from you.

    Best Regards,
    Thiri Naing

    Reply

  9. Your description of TVET in education is apt. TVET I must say is now gaining grounds in Ghana and for that matter must be taken seriously since it’s the foundation of every successful economy.

    Reply
  12. Pingback: TVET versus Higher Education and the Birth of a Vocational University: Historical Context of the Samoa Polytechnic and the National University of Samoa Merger - TVET Journal

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