Definition

General or vocational education and training carried out in the initial education system, usually before entering working life.

Comments:

• some training undertaken after entry into working life may be considered as initial training (e.g. retraining);
• initial education and training can be carried out at any level in general or vocational education (full-time school-based or alternance training) pathways or apprenticeship.
  

Source: Cedefop (2014) "Terminology of European education and training policy: A selection of 130 key terms"