Glossary of terms - Vocational Education and Training
For other VET terminology please use the official Cedefop publication.
Apprenticeship (Apprentice) 1
Without prejudice to national terminology, apprenticeships are understood as formal vocational education and training schemes that:
- combine learning in education or training institutions with substantial work-based learning in companies and other workplaces,
- lead to nationally recognised qualifications,
- are based on an agreement defining the rights and obligations of the apprentice, the employer and, where appropriate, the vocational education and training institution, and
- include payment or other compensation to the apprentice for the work-based component.
EQAVET (European Quality Assurance Reference Framework for Vocational Education and Training)
A reference tool for policy-makers based on a four-stage quality cycle that includes goal setting and planning, implementation, evaluation and review. It respects the autonomy of national governments and is a voluntary system to be used by public authorities and other bodies involved in quality assurance.
VET skills competitions
International sectoral events in which competitive demonstration of skills by VET learners is central for promotion, recognition and exchange of experience, know-how and technological innovations in VET. The events are a result of close cooperation between businesses, VET providers, chambers of commerce and other relevant stakeholders that aim at improving attractiveness and excellence in VET, creating global training standards and benchmarking systems, and influencing industry, government, and educators through cooperation and research.
The purpose of skills competitions is to raise the profile and recognition of skilled people, and show how important skills are in achieving economic growth and personal success. They are designed to inspire young people to develop a passion for skills and pursuing excellence, through competitions and promotions.
Vocational education and training (VET)
Vocational education and training is to be understood as the education and training which aims to equip young people and adults with knowledge, skills and competences required in particular occupations or more broadly on the labour market. It may be provided in formal and in non-formal settings, at all levels of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), including tertiary level, if applicable. For the purpose of Erasmus+, projects focusing on initial or continuing vocational education and training are eligible under VET actions.
Vocational education and training (VET) learner
A person enrolled in an initial or continuous vocational education and training programme or a person who has recently graduated or obtained a qualification from such a programme.
Work-based learning
Acquisition of knowledge and skills through carrying out – and reflecting on – tasks in a vocational context, either at the workplace (such as alternance training) or in a vocational education and training institution.
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