Law-ref.org Convention on Technical and Vocational Education
Site search
Sister sites
ARTICLE 3
1. The Contracting States agree to provide and develop technical and vocational education programmes that take account of:
(a) the educational, cultural and social background of the population concerned and its vocational aspirations;
(b) the technical and professional skills, knowledge and levels of qualification needed in the various sectors of the economy, and the technological and structural changes to be expected;
(c) employment opportunities and development prospects at the national, regional and local levels;
(d) protection of the environment and the common heritage of mankind;
(e) occupational health, safety and welfare.
2. Technical and vocational education should be designed to operate within a framework of open-ended and flexible structures in the context of lifelong education and provide:
(a) an introduction to technology and to the world of work for all young people within the context of general education;
(b) educational and vocational guidance and information, and aptitude counselling;
(c) development of an education designed for the acquisition and development of the knowledge and know-how needed for a skilled occupation;
(d) a basis for education and training that may be essential for occupational mobility, improvement of professional qualifications and updating of knowledge, skills and understanding;
(e) complementary general education for those receiving initial technical and vocational training in the form of on-the-job or other training both inside and outside technical and vocational education institutions;
(f) continuing education and training courses for adults with a view, in particular, to retraining as well as to supplementing and upgrading the qualifications of those whose current knowledge has become obsolete because of scientific and technological progress or changes in the employment structure or in the social and economic situation, and also for those in special circumstances.
3. Technical and vocational education programmes should meet the technical requirements of the occupational sectors concerned and also provide the general education necessary for the personal and cultural development of the individual and include, inter alia, social, economic and environmental concepts relevant to the occupation concerned.
4. The Contracting States agree to tender support and advice to undertakings outside educational institutions which take part in co-operative programmes of technical and vocational education.
5. At each occupational level, the competence required must be defined as clearly as possible and curricula must be continuously updated to incorporate new knowledge and technical processes.
6. In assessing the ability to carry out occupational activities and determining appropriate awards in technical and vocational education, account should be taken of both the theoretical and practical aspects of the technical field in question, and this should apply both to persons who have received training and to persons who have acquired occupational experience in employment.