Capacity Building for Technical Training in the Turkish Automotive Industry with EBRD
Summary
This project focused on delivering business solutions for the automotive sector in Turkey within the framework of national vocational policy, and promoting inclusive employment practices to improve the training into employment transition.
Due to generational changes in young people’s aspirations and the low reputation of vocational training and jobs, the recruitment and retention of youth to traditional bluecollar roles in Turkey is proving to be ever more difficult. Improving the transition from training into employment across the automotive sector is key to attracting and retaining young people.
Supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the project had significant potential to contribute to inclusive growth by setting a precedent and creating a strong impact within the sector in terms of improved technical training standards, implementation and capacity and links to local schools and work-based opportunities.
Working with our partners at international development agency, GIZ, we provided consultancy, guidance and coaching to help set up the Tourism and Wine Production Sector Skills Development Centres.
Through three workshops, we brought together employers from the tourism and wine production sectors, public sector representatives and training providers to agree a collaborative approach to setting up the centres.
This included agreeing the centres’ general vision and mission as well as their remit, tools (for assessment and definition of workforce competency requirements), offers (e.g. qualifications, workforce development solutions), partners, and other aspects.
The project has created an essential partnership between employers and government, and established processes for employers to engage with national policy.
This provides a foundation for a vocational education system which reflects Armenia’s economic growth and stability needs. It also creates the framework for a professional and internationally bench-marked approach. Sector Skills Development Centres have now been established for tourism and wine production.
“The knowledge sharing trip to the UK was an essential aspect providing experience of projects such as the SEMTA Skillsman Project and the apprenticeship between Warwick College and Jaguar Landrover. This was key for skills solutions that addressed: energy performance of production processes and of end products; advanced processes, robotics and use of advanced combined materials; info-techment and the use of ICT and wireless technologies.”
Gunduz Gundalmsi
Tofas Türk Otomobil Fabrikası A.S
