TVET: What is it, and why should you consider it?

Welcome to the skilled trades world of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). In today’s world, industries are evolving rapidly, and new skills and tech skills are constantly in demand. TVET stands out as a powerful pathway to practical knowledge, personal empowerment, and professional success.

In this article, we’ll explore what TVET really means, why it’s more important than ever, its historical development from a global perspective, and the different forms it can take. Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

What Is TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)?

In simple terms, technical and vocational education and training is a form of learning that focuses on providing individuals with practical skills and knowledge related to specific trades, occupations, or vocations. TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) is all about learning by doing — whether that means studying automotive repair at a technical college, cooking in a culinary school, or learning to code online.

What sets TVET apart from traditional education is its direct alignment with the world of work. Every course or program is designed to help individuals build job-ready skills for specific careers.

But TVET is more than just job training. It is about empowering individuals and communities. Through access to relevant and quality education, TVET helps reduce poverty, promote social inclusion, and stimulate economic growth.

Why Is TVET Important in Today’s World?

TVET: What is it, and why should you consider it

In our rapidly evolving global economy, the importance of TVET cannot be overstated. Here’s why:

Job-Relevant Skills: TVET equips people with the practical, in-demand skills needed to thrive in the workforce.
Job creation: Nigeria faces high youth unemployment. TVET equips young Nigerians with entrepreneurial skills, enabling them to create jobs, not just seek them.
Economic empowerment: Skills gained through TVET like the FME TVET initiative can lift families out of poverty and drive local economic growth.

Bridging the Gap: It closes the divide between academic education and the real needs of employers.
Adaptability: As new industries emerge and technology reshapes work, vocational training helps workers upskill or reskill to stay competitive.
Social Inclusion: TVET creates opportunities for marginalized or disadvantaged individuals to access decent work.
Addressing Skills Shortages: By focusing on high-demand areas, it helps fill labor gaps in key sectors like healthcare, construction, IT, and more.

TVET is not only a tool for personal development but also a driver of sustainable economic development and social equity. It plays a crucial role in achieving inclusive growth, reducing inequality, and building resilient communities.

A Global History of TVET

TVET has deep historical roots. From the apprenticeship systems in ancient Egypt and Greece to the guilds of the Middle Ages, practical, hands-on training has long been a pillar of skilled labor.

During the Industrial Revolution, the rise of factory work created a growing demand for technical expertise. This led to the formal establishment of vocational schools across Europe and North America. For instance:

In 1868, the United Kingdom passed the Trade Union Act, which enabled trade unions to create technical schools.
In the United States, the Morrill Act of 1862 established land-grant colleges focusing on agriculture and mechanical education.

The 20th century saw further expansion as nations recognized TVET’s role in addressing economic needs and labor market complexities. Milestones include:

1989 UNESCO Convention: Recognized TVET as essential to lifelong learning.
2002 Seoul Congress: Emphasized TVET’s role in sustainable development.

TVET in Nigeria

TVET in Nigeria dates back to the colonial era, but it gained more prominence after independence. Initially tied to technical colleges and trade centers, the 1977 National Policy on Education formally integrated TVET into the educational structure.

Over the decades, several institutions and initiatives have shaped TVET in Nigeria:

National Board for Technical Education (NBTE): Established in 1977 to regulate technical education.
Industrial Training Fund (ITF): Offers workplace learning and skill acquisition programs.
National Directorate of Employment (NDE): Introduced to provide job skills and reduce unemployment.
YouWin! and N-Power Programs: The program aims to equip youths with marketable skills and support entrepreneurship.
FME TVET initiative: The Federal Ministry of Education’s TVET Initiative is a government-backed program designed to empower Nigerian youths with industry-relevant technical and vocational skills. This initiative offers fully funded training, monthly stipends, and start-up support in selected high-demand trades such as ICT, construction, agriculture, renewable energy, fashion, and more. Its primary goal is to reduce youth unemployment, bridge the skills gap, and promote self-reliance by equipping participants with the practical knowledge and tools needed to succeed in today’s job market or launch their own businesses.By focusing on inclusive and demand-driven training, the FME TVET initiative supports national development and helps young Nigerians unlock their full potential.

Despite these efforts, TVET in Nigeria has faced challenges such as poor funding, outdated equipment, low public perception, and curriculum-industry mismatch. However, current reforms and initiatives (fme tvet) aim to improve standards and relevance.

Today, countries like Germany, Switzerland, and Singapore and recently Nigeria lead in implementing innovative, modern vocational education systems that integrate school-based learning with industry experience.

TVET and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

TVET is directly tied to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Here’s how:

Goal 4: Promotes inclusive, equitable education and lifelong learning.
Goal 5: Supports gender equality by giving women and girls equal access to vocational opportunities.
Goal 8: Boosts economic growth by providing people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Goal 12 and 13: Prepares workers for green jobs, supporting sustainable consumption and climate action.

In essence, TVET is not just a personal choice — it’s a global imperative.

Different Forms of TVET Education

TVET comes in various forms to suit different career goals and learning styles. Here are five common types:

1. Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine classroom learning with on-the-job training. For example, in Nigeria you can learn trades through hands-on experience under expert supervision.

2. Vocational Schools

Also called trade schools or technical colleges, these institutions offer specialized training in fields like healthcare, hospitality, and engineering. An example is federal technical college which provides high-level vocational training in culinary arts and restaurant management.

3. On-the-Job Training

This form of learning takes place in the actual work environment. It’s commonly used in industries such as hospitality, retail, and construction. For instance, a hotel might train new employees directly at the workplace to teach them specific protocols and systems.

4. Online Learning

With the rise of technology, platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer flexible vocational courses in coding, digital marketing, and more — accessible anytime, anywhere.

5. Community Colleges

In countries like the United States, community colleges provide affordable and accessible vocational education leading to certificates or associate degrees in fields such as nursing, automotive repair, and information technology.

Final Thoughts

In summary, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) is a powerful tool for career readiness, social empowerment, and economic progress. It:

Provides practical skills for specific jobs
Bridges the gap between education and employment
Helps address skills shortages
Promotes social inclusion and lifelong learning
Supports global development goals

Are you a student looking for a clear career path, a professional wanting to reskill, or a policymaker seeking effective solutions for employment and development? TVET is worth considering.