TVETipedia Glossary

Skills development

Understood in broad terms to mean basic education, initial training and lifelong learning.

Source:
ILO 2022: Greening TVET and skills development. A practical guidance tool

The acquisition of practical competencies, know-how and attitudes necessary to perform a trade or occupation in the labour market.

Source:
EC (2012), TVET and Skills Development in EU Development Cooperation

The development of skills or competencies which are relevant to the workforce.

Source:
UNESCO-UNEVOC/NCVER, TVET glossary: some key terms, 2009
UNESCO-UNEVOC/NCVER, TVET glossary: some key terms, 2009
Access resource, available in English
This glossary has been published in the "International Handbook of Education for the Changing World of Work" (Vol. 1, chapter 5)
"The glossary aims to reflect the terminology found in the recent literature of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) research, policy and practice internationally. The most common and significant terms (including acronyms) are listed and, in some cases, national and regional variations have been included. To maintain an international perspective, other national and international glossaries and thesauri were consulted in conjunction with current TVET literature from around the world. Where definitions have been written by other organizations, the source of that definition is acknowledged. Unattributed definitions were created in-house at the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). For some terms, where, for example, there are regional differences, more than one meaning has been provided."

(also called Skill formation) The development of work-related skills or competencies through vocational education and training.

Source:
NCVER (Australia), VOCEDplus: Glossary of VET, (accessed 05/2026)
NCVER (Australia), VOCEDplus: Glossary of VET, (accessed 05/2026)
Access resource, available in English
This glossary is a compilation of Australian vocational education and training (VET) terms and acronyms. It includes both current and historical terms, concepts, acronyms and other abbreviations found in Australian VET research, policy and data.

The process through which learners and workers are systematically provided with learning required as qualifications for a job or range of jobs in a given occupation area.

Source:
TESDA (Philippines), TVET glossary of terms (online), (accessed 12/2022)
TESDA (Philippines), TVET glossary of terms (online), (accessed 12/2022)
Access resource
This glossary of terms intends to provide the TESDA key players, partners, and stakeholders an online and updated TVET information, concepts, to bring common understanding and clarification on the use of TESDA terminologies.