TVET stands for Technical and Vocational Education and Training. It refers to all forms and levels of education and training that provide knowledge and skills related to occupations in various sectors of economic and social life through formal, non-formal, and informal learning methods in both school-based and work-based learning contexts). TVET courses focus on the learning and mastery of specialized techniques and the scientific principles underlying those techniques, as well as general knowledge, skills, and values). They combine formal (theoretical learning that often takes place in the classroom) and informal (self-directed education that is practical, such as internships and on-the-job experiences) learning to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace, with a focus on the technical aspects.
TVET courses serve multiple purposes, including the preparation of youth for work, learning and developing work-related skills, and mastery of underlying knowledge and scientific principles. Work is broadly defined and therefore refers to both formal employment and self-employment. To support self-employment, TVET curricula often include entrepreneurship training). One of the primary goals of TVET is to ensure that learning needs are satisfied by providing equitable access to appropriate learning and life skills programs.
TVET courses are not limited to children and youth but include professional development, upskilling, and reskilling of adults. They can take place at secondary, post-secondary, and tertiary levels and include work-based learning and continuing training and professional development that may lead to qualifications. TVET courses are designed to provide students with practical skills and industry-specific knowledge, and they count toward school outcomes, with some courses contributing towards an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) .
TVET courses are offered by various institutions, including TAFE NSW, and cover a wide range of occupational fields, production, services, and livelihoods. They are relevant tools to aid in employability and career preparation for many people.
