Number of Students in Vocational Education Centers Increased by 3 Percent in 158 Months

As a result of the efforts made by the Ministry of National Education to expand vocational education centers and contribute to the increase in employment, the number of students enrolled in vocational education centers increased by 158 percent in three months from 159 thousand to 410 thousand. 3

The Ministry of National Education continues to expand vocational training centers and contribute to the increase in employment. In this context, the changes made in the Vocational Education Law No. 2021 at the end of December 3308 started to bear fruit. After the regulation, the number of students enrolled in vocational education centers increased from 158 thousand to 159 thousand with an increase of 410 percent. Thus, by the end of 2022, 1 percent of the target of 41 million students in vocational training centers has been achieved in the first three months.

With the new regulation, a student who enrolls in the vocational training center receives a monthly fee of 1.275 liras while studying. At the end of three years, journeymen are paid around 2.125 liras. All of these fees are paid by the state. In addition, all students are insured against work accidents and occupational diseases. The employment rate of graduates is also quite high, around 88 percent. The fact that there is no age restriction for enrolling in these centers is also a great advantage.

54 percent of students are 19 years or older

The increase in students in vocational training centers mainly consists of citizens aged 19 and over. Considering that 410 thousand 222 of 283 thousand students are aged 19 and over, that is, 54 percent of them, it can be clearly seen how effective the regulation will be in reducing youth unemployment.

The highest demand is in Istanbul, Gaziantep, Adana, Mersin and Hatay.

The highest demand for vocational training centers was in Istanbul, where 30 students are registered. Gaziantep with 510 thousand 17 students and Adana with 413 thousand 17 students followed Istanbul. According to the number of students enrolled in vocational education centers, Mersin was fourth with 339 thousand 16 students, while Hatay was fifth with 317 thousand 16 students.

The highest demand is for beauty and hair care services.

Beauty and hair care services ranked first with 71 thousand 100 students, motor vehicle technology was second with 60 thousand 31 students, and food and beverage services ranked third with 39 thousand 479 students in the demand for vocational education centers. Electric-electronics technology ranked fourth with 35 thousand 249 students, and fashion design technology ranked fifth with 29 thousand 169 students.

Target 1 million students

Making an evaluation on the subject, Minister of National Education Mahmut Özer said: “The new regulations made in the Vocational Education Law No. 3308 strengthened the vocational training centers and started a new era in raising the human resources needed by the labor market. For the first time, an attractive mechanism has been created for both employers and young people in vocational training. This is a historical step that will increase employment for our country. We started a comprehensive study to introduce the opportunities offered by vocational training centers. We prepared public spots. On the other hand, our administrators and teachers in 81 provinces provide guidance to families on vocational education. They introduce vocational training centers to chambers of industry and commerce, sector representatives and families in provinces. We have established vocational training centers for all OIZs, especially so that OIZs can benefit from this opportunity. All these steps were immediately reflected in the student numbers. In a short period of three months, the number of students increased by 158 percent. On the other hand, the fact that this increase was mainly realized at the age of 19 and over has already shown how important the new approach is in reducing youth unemployment. By the end of 2022, we have a goal of bringing 1 million of our citizens together with vocational training centers. Vocational training centers will both increase the quality of our human resources and make a significant contribution to reducing youth unemployment. I would like to thank my colleagues and 81 provincial administrators for their great efforts in this process.”