Definition

Any formal or non-formal learning (general, specialised or vocational) undertaken after initial education and training – or after entry into working life – which aims to:

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

Comment:

Continuing education and training:

• is part of lifelong learning and covers a broad range of skills, including non-job-specific, transversal skills applicable in daily life;
• is delivered by a diversity of providers within and outside formal education and training, in the private and public sectors;
• promotes horizontal permeability (access of initial VET graduates to continuing VET) and vertical permeability (access of upper-secondary VET graduates to higher education).

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