Head of the EU Delegation to Turkey Ambassador Nikolaus Meyer-Landrut, paid a visit to İnegöl Vocational Training Centre (VTC) in Bursa. The İnegöl VTC is one of the participating institutions of the “Vocational Training Programme for Employment” (VET4JOB) Programme, which is financed by the EU. The Programme is carried out by Expertise France and EDUSER in cooperation with the MoNE DG Vocational Education Training and the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK). During the visit, Ambassador Meyer-Landrut along with his delegation met with the İnegöl District Director of National Education Ali Doğru, Branch Manager of Provincial National Education Bülent Altıntaş, the Secretary General Bursa Union of Chamber of Merchants and Craftsman (BESOB) Rafiz Vatansever, the Secretary General İnegöl Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mustafa Şentürk, the President of İnegöl Chamber of Carpenters and Furnishers of BESOB Özcan Ayhan, VET4JOB Programme Coordinator Aişe Akpınar and the Principal of İnegöl Vocational Training Centre Musa Oktar. The participants share the current status of Syrians at the local level and their conditions in terms of access to education, activities related to their integration into the education system and workforce. Ambassador has exchanged opinions on apprenticeship training and the goals’ of the Programme. Ambassador Meyer-Landrut He addressed following remarks to the audience: “We also try to support the efforts of the official authorities, schools, and education system officials in Turkey by supporting Syrian refugees and host community members, and we foster efforts on the integration processes. The education of Turkish and Syrian youth, both in the EU and in Turkey, is of key importance. I think that the Ministry of National Education carries out extremely important and exceptional work; in terms of ensuring the integration of so many Syrian children and youth into the education system. All these efforts prepare these children for their future in the labour market and to ensure to earn their living. Therefore, it is a process that offers young people a perspective for the future.” Head of EU Delegation Meyer-Landrut emphasized the perception of vocational education system as a well-respected long tradition in Germany, despite the acknowledgement of last resort for students with low academic achievements in Turkey.. Ambassador Meyer-Landrut said “There seems to be an image problem. After all, if you say that more than 90 percent of graduates find employment opportunities, that’s actually very attractive. Improving that image, changing it and announcing success stories, telling families how beneficial these training can actually be, it will be in everyone’s interest.” During the meeting, Ambassador Meyer-Landrut, FRIT Director Libor Chad, and EUD Programme Director Feyhan Canbay get together with VET4JOB Programme beneficiaries. Both Syrian and Turkish apprenticeship students and their families shared their experiences. Representing the workplace side, master trainers from different business lines also came and shared their expectations and experiences from the VET4JOB Programme.
