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The term technical and vocational skills development (TVSD) indicates a move away from a school-orientated approach and includes non-formal programmes which may be delivered in the workplace, does not lead to formal qualifications and encompasses training in the informal economy; TVSD is understood as the acquisition of knowledge, practical competencies, know-how and attitudes necessary to performing a certain trade or occupation in the labour market. The notion of TVSD is non-discriminatory with regard to age, status, stage of life, type of learning, training environment and level of training.

The term technical and vocational skills development (TVSD) refers to the acquisition of knowledge, practical competencies, know-how and attitudes necessary to perform a certain trade or occupation in the labour market. For the scope of this report, TVSD corresponds to the broad UNESCO and ILO definition of technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Technical and Vocational Skills Development (TVSD) captures both the older category of technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and, like the term post-basic education and training (PBET), the newer category of soft skills for employability.