The Ministry of National Education continues to disseminate vocational education and centers make contributions to increase employment rates. Amendments made in the Vocational Education Law No. 3308 in December of 2021 gave results. In the aftermath of the amendment, the number of students enrolled in the vocational education centers increased by 158 percent and reached 410 thousand. Hence, the Ministry achieved 41 percent of its goal to enroll 1 million students in the vocational education centers until the end of 2022.

 

The new amendment stipulated that students will receive a monthly 1,275 lira salary while studying and their salaries increased to 2,125 when they start 3rd grade. These salaries are paid by the state. Moreover, students are insured against occupational accidents and illnesses. Employment rate of vocational education centers is around 88 percent.

 

Majority of students enrolled in the vocational education centers are 19 years old and above. This figure clearly reveals that vocational education has an important impact in decreasing young unemployment.

 

Highest demand for vocational education centers came from İstanbul and 30,510 students enrolled in the centers. 17,413 students enrolled in centers in Gaziantep. Other highest demands came respectively from Adana, Mersin and Hatay.  

 

Total of 71,100 students preferred to enroll in beauty and hair care departments while 60,031 students enrolled in motor vehicle technologies. Food and beverage ranked third among the most popular departments.

 

Meanwhile, Minister of National Education Mahmut Özer stated: "Amendments in the Vocational Education Law No. 3308 marked the beginning of a new term in the reinforcement of vocational education centers and responding to the quality of human resources needed for the labor market. It was a historical move in improving employment rates. We have worked in an effort to promote vocational education centers and prepared public spots within this framework. On the other hand, we are also providing guidance services in 81 cities of the country about vocational education.  Our goal is to enroll 1 million students in these centers until the end of 2022."