Inclusion in TVET: A practical guide for formal, non-formal and informal TVET institutions

UNESCO (2025) - As economies evolve and societies grow more diverse, inclusive technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is essential to equip all learners – regardless of ability, background or circumstance – with the skills they need for meaningful employment and participation in society. By integrating formal, informal and non-formal learning, TVET helps bridge educational gaps.

Despite its potential to empower traditionally excluded groups, many still face systemic barriers that hinder access, participation and smooth transitions into the workforce. Globally, TVET participation remains below 5%, and a large number of youth – especially young women – are not in education, employment or training (NEET).

TVET can close this gap by offering targeted support and skills develop-ment, leading to improved job prospects and sustainable livelihoods.

This guide provides actionable strategies for building inclusive TVET systems. It promotes collaboration among NGOs, private sector actors and education providers to ensure no learner is left behind. This hands-on guide shows how to move beyond identifying challenges to creating real impact.

It offers practical tools and a five-step imple-mentation framework, including the 4A tool (Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability, Adaptability). It proposes the use of pilot projects as a start for holistic institutional transformation on inclusion.

TVET leaders, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to apply these approaches – starting with small-scale pilots and scaling up strategically – to drive meaningful and lasting change in inclusion across the sector