Definition

Learning carried out after initial education or training – or after entry into working life – which aims to:

• improve or update knowledge, know-how and skills (upskilling);
• acquire new skills for a career move (retraining / reskilling);
• support professional development.

Comment:

Continuing vocational education and training:

• is part of adult learning oriented towards professional development;
• is crucial for employability of workers, irrespective of age, level of qualification and employment situation;
• is an essential part of lifelong learning. Its scope and content is largely related to non-formal and informal learning, undertaken to improve skills;
• is delivered by a diversity of providers within and outside formal education and training, in the private and public sectors. It is often based on work-based learning;
• covers a broad range of skills, either job-specific or transversal.

Source: Cedefop (2023) "Terminology of European education and training policy: A selection of key terms"