TVETipedia glossary
Find and compare definitions of key terms that are relevant in TVET policy and themes. Learn more.
Access information and data on TVET
Find and compare definitions of key terms that are relevant in TVET policy and themes. Learn more.
General education is defined as education programmes that are designed to develop learners’ general knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as literacy and numeracy skills, often to prepare participants for more advanced education programmes at the same or a higher ISCED level and to lay the foundation for lifelong learning. These programmes are typically school- or college-based. General education includes education programmes that are designed to prepare participants for entry into vocational education but do not prepare for employment in a particular occupation, trade or class of occupations or trades, nor lead directly to a labour market-relevant qualification.
Education and training that takes place in primary and secondary schools, as well as in adult education and training centres.
1. Common areas which all pupils should know and experience.
2. Education which aims to equip people with a broad range of knowledge and skills, usually to enable them to meet their responsibilities as citizens and to enable them to function in their society.
Programs that “are usually designed for students planning to continue to academic or professional studies at the tertiary level” or “who have completed upper secondary education but wish to increase their opportunities to enter tertiary education” (UNESCO Institute for Statistics 2015, ISCED 2011 operational manual
). General secondary education programs may include vocational streams that include TVET subjects but do not lead to a formal vocational qualification.
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