Recommendation concerning technical and vocational education and training (TVET)

Revised Recommendation 2015
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Fifteen years after the last revision, UNESCO released an overhaul of its “2001 Revised Recommendation concerning Technical and Vocational Education”.

According to the UNESCO’s general principles, technical vocational education and training (TVET) is part of both the universal right to education and the right to work. In this respect, TVET is understood as contributing toward the promotion of understanding and respect for human rights; inclusion and social equity; gender equality and cultural diversity. Furthermore, TVET plays a role in fostering lifelong learning and a sense of community thus contributing to social and economic participation and to the realization of lasting peace, responsible citizenship, and sustainable development.

A great emphasis was placed on the following points:

• The integrated approach to education and training and holistic view of both dimensions, ensuring that TVET promotes a broad spectrum of knowledge, skills and competencies for work and life;
• The attention given to work-based learning and capture of informal TVET;
• The focus on the involvement and participation of stakeholders, with establishment of public-private partnerships and the promotion of social dialogue;
• The integrated approach in the development of TVET policies and inter-ministerial coordination.

In detail, the recommendation covers five thematic fields: Policies and governance, quality and relevance, monitoring and evaluation, research and knowledge management, as well as international cooperation.

In terms of polices and governance, member states are asked to develop policies and implement governing structures and regulatory frameworks that promote TVET and support its management and financing. In this process, participation of other stakeholders, of public and private actors, as well as social partners is encouraged. Furthermore the political framework must guarantee equal and non-discriminatory access to TVET for all members of society.

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