Director of the Vocational School, Düzgün Arslan, highlighted that graduates from vocational schools are the sought-after workforce in the industry, stating, "We must teach young people the virtue of having a profession, and here, guidance and direction from families and educators are essential."
The results of the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS), held in June, are expected to be announced next month. Over three million students who took the YKS will make their choices following the announcement. With the preference process about to begin, Düzgün Arslan, Director of the Yeditepe University Vocational School, emphasized the importance of vocational education and provided assessments regarding vocational schools.
"COMPANIES ARE LOOKING FOR YOUNG WORKFORCE WITH VOCATIONAL TRAINING"
Arslan pointed out that the underutilization of vocational schools is a 'national problem,' noting that they would struggle to serve the youth and the future of Türkiye without addressing this issue. He mentioned, "A profession is a golden bracelet everyone should possess, and vocational education is a national problem in Turkey. We will struggle to serve our youth and our country's future without solving this issue."
Companies face challenges in employing young people with vocational education; Arslan emphasized, "Vocational education primarily encompasses the expectations of firms in the industry and manufacturing sectors. Feedback from our stakeholders in the industry, where I have been involved for 30 years, shows that companies need a workforce in areas such as 'vocational experts,' 'technical experts,' 'technicians,' and 'mechanics.' Yet, they need help finding young people with vocational training to meet this demand. Therefore, please, let's first provide our youth with a profession, then support their progress with a secure start in their career journey."
"IF YOU HAVE MANUAL SKILLS, YOU SHOULD OPT FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION"
Arslan advised young individuals entering life to acquire a profession that would give them a head start in their careers. He explained who should choose vocational schools: "If you have technical manual skills and prefer a shorter route to starting life rather than a four-year education, and if dealing with and solving problems seems interesting and enjoyable, you should opt for vocational education. This can start as early as vocational high schools, but it's not too late even if you didn't attend one. Vocational High Schools can be chosen by graduates of Vocational/Technical High Schools as well as College, Anatolian, Science, Imam Hatip, Evening, and Plain high school graduates."
"YOU WILL BE THE SOUGHT-AFTER PERSON IN TECHNICAL WORKFORCE AREAS"
Arslan described what awaits students who graduate from vocational schools. "Upon graduating, students from vocational schools seize the opportunity to continue as sought-after experienced graduates rather than job seekers. Firms are especially looking for a technical workforce and are ready to support our youth if we can guide them correctly in this aspect."
"INSPIRING OUR YOUTH TO ACQUIRE A PROFESSION WILL REDUCE UNEMPLOYMENT"
During the 'Future of Vocational Education' conference held on May 21, the business world continuously highlighted the need for technical experts, hence the necessity to direct young people towards professions, Arslan mentioned. "Since the establishment of our school, we have been in contact with companies and trade chambers, both in Türkiye and Germany, and this year, we organized a conference titled 'Future of Vocational Education' on May 21 in collaboration with the German-Turkish Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The business world consistently brings up the need for young, trained experts, and technical experts. In this regard, families must guide their children towards professions, considering their future career and employment opportunities."
"WE MUST TEACH THE VIRTUE OF HAVING A PROFESSION"
"The transition of people to civilization gave birth to professions, and if everyone demonstrated a skill in a particular area, solving societal needs and supporting the common life and progress; otherwise, if everyone wanted to do everything themselves, civilization would not have formed," Arslan said, proposing solutions to this matter: "We need to properly introduce professions to our children from primary school, explaining what professions contribute, what they can be, and what they can do, guiding them according to their skills and abilities from primary and middle school. In this process, educators need to guide both our children and families. Because every person is talented and different from others, it is important to discover these talents and interests and channel them correctly in time. Suppose we, as civil society organizations, educational institutions, media organizations, professional chambers, and the business community, can come together and conduct these informational sessions in schools from the primary and middle school stages and invite families. In that case, we can explain this diversity, the virtue of having a profession, and our societal needs."
"DON'T SAY 'WILL MY CHILD BECOME A MIDDLEMAN?'"
Arslan also had messages for students and families making school and career choices. Highlighting the importance of families listening to their children, Arslan said, "I ask families, please listen to your children; if you want to be happy with your children, consider their expectations and talents. Please do not force them, and instead of saying, 'Will my child become a middleman? Will they work in a factory? They will be raised as good people with a profession. Take the lead, and we will support you. Otherwise, we will all continue to complain in our homes, asking why my child is unemployed, why I am not satisfied with this plumber and electrician."
Basın: DHA