New Collaboration Protocol to Support Vocational and Technical High School Graduates
The Minister of Labor and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan and Minister of National Education Yusuf Tekin participated in the signing ceremony of the “Incentives and State Contributions for Vocational and Technical High School Graduates” collaboration protocol held at Gölbaşı Mogan Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School. The protocol was signed by the Director General of the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), Samet Güneş, and the Director General of Vocational Technical Education, Ali Karagöz.
In his speech, Minister Işıkhan emphasized the necessity of well-equipped, educated, working, and productive youth for the development of Turkey. “Considering the significant importance of vocational and technical education for our country, we must elevate this education system to higher standards collectively. Therefore, as the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, we make every effort to support the valuable initiatives of the Ministry of National Education in the field of vocational and technical education,” he said.
“Employment Reaches Record Level of 32.6 Million by April 2024”
Minister Işıkhan highlighted the importance of vocational and technical education in sustainable development, creating a competitive labor market, and preparing youth for the future. He noted, “By April 2024, we have increased our employment figures to a record level of 32.6 million people. During the same period, we raised the employment rate to 49.5% and the labor force participation rate to 54.2%. We lowered the unemployment rate to 8.5%, the lowest in the last 10 years. Through İŞKUR, we facilitated the employment of 1.3 million citizens over the past year. To achieve these figures, we closely monitor the evolving needs and demands of our labor market.”
“Assisted Employment for 691 Thousand Citizens in the First Half of 2024”
Minister Işıkhan also shared the June statistics from İŞKUR, stating, “Between January-June 2024, we facilitated employment for 691 thousand citizens, marking an 18.3% increase compared to the previous year. Within our Job and Vocational Counseling services, we conducted 1,510,527 individual consultations and visited 445,957 workplaces. We will continue our efforts to ensure employment-focused growth and job opportunities for our citizens.”
Minister Işıkhan mentioned immediate regulatory changes and support models implemented to encourage workforce participation, adding, “We have taken significant steps to address the intermediate staff shortage faced by employers. Specifically, we have modified our On-the-Job Training Programs and Vocational Training Courses in response to high demand from the field. Under these changes, we reduced the employer’s employment obligation from three times to two times the program duration and lowered the employment commitment rate from 70% to 60%. We have enhanced university and public sector collaboration to meet the qualified staff needs of Organized Industrial Zones (OIZs) and Tech Parks. We have also launched a new education model utilizing the capacities of our universities.”
“Supporting Job Seekers and Employers, Ensuring Job Growth”
Minister Işıkhan announced the expansion of the “Seven Regions, Seven Universities” model to eleven universities due to high demand. He said, “We have graduated the first group from the Apprentice Program, launched in collaboration with the Defense Industry Presidency. We are continually increasing and diversifying our collaboration efforts between the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Ministry of National Education in vocational and technical education. Through this collaboration, I believe we will develop more effective, efficient, and sustainable applications in vocational and technical education. We have identified seven vocational fields for matching through the established working committee. These fields are: Electrical-Electronic Technology, Machine and Design Technology, Metal Technology, Furniture and Interior Design, Motor Vehicle Technology, Installation Technology and Air Conditioning, and Shipbuilding. We have identified and matched 537 professions within these fields. In the future, we will continue to address other vocational fields with matching studies conducted by our committee. Based on these matches, we are offering vocational high school graduates participating in On-the-Job Training Programs an allowance 30% higher than the minimum wage.”
Minister Işıkhan announced the increase in the daily allowance for graduates who participate in On-the-Job Training Programs in their respective fields from 654 TL to 850 TL. He emphasized, “This application is an important support for our graduates to join the workforce in their fields and find jobs more easily. In the coming period, we will continue to support job seekers and employers, working towards maintaining and increasing employment. Together with our youth, we will build the Century of Turkey. I sincerely believe in this. We wish the ‘Collaboration Protocol on State Supports and Incentives for Vocational and Technical Secondary Education Institution Students and Graduates,’ signed by our Directors-General, to be beneficial.”