The “My Apprentice Students on the Path to Mastery” Awareness Meeting, organised on October 5th, 2026, under VET4JOB-II, funded by the European Union and implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education DGVET and TESK, with Expertise France as the lead implementing organisation in partnership with EDUSER, was held in Şanlıurfa.
Bringing together enterprises that currently have apprentice students or have the potential to provide apprenticeship opportunities, the meeting addressed key issues including the protection of children’s rights within vocational training system, the establishment of safe and learning-oriented environments, and the distinction between apprenticeship training and child labour. Discussions also focused on reducing sector-specific risks in workplaces, strengthening occupational health and safety practices, and promoting good practices that support young people in acquiring quality vocational skills.
The opening remarks were delivered by Ali Karabulut, Head of the Vocational Education Unit at Şanlıurfa Provincial Directorate of National Education, Ahmet Demir, Eyyübiye District Director of National Education and Sami Öğe, Vice President of the Şanlıurfa Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen. The speakers highlighted the role of vocational education in preparing young people for their future and emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation among vocational training centres, businesses and relevant stakeholders. They also underlined the need to ensure that apprentice students acquire vocational skills in safe, healthy and education-focused environments while continuing their education.
Following the screening of the VET4JOB-II promotional film, informative presentations were delivered on awareness and responsibilities in apprenticeship training, key differences between apprenticeship training and child labour, the responsibilities of businesses, and occupational health and safety.
During the interactive session, participants had the opportunity to reflect on practices within their own businesses and consider potential workplace risks. Through real-life examples and case studies, the session explored ways to reduce sector-specific risks and strengthen practices that contribute to the safety and well-being of apprentice students. Participants also shared their experiences, views and recommendations to support the dissemination of good practices.
The “My Apprentice Students on the Path to Mastery” Awareness Meeting concluded with closing remarks by Muharrem Önel, Principal of Eyyübiye Vocational Training Centre, and Ümit Yaşar, Principal of the 75th Year Vocational Training Centre, followed by a session to gather participants’ feedback and recommendations. Throughout the meeting, the importance of a sustainable vocational education approach that places apprentice students’ right to education and safety at its centre, contributes to preventing child labour, and strengthens businesses’ capacity to train qualified future masters was emphasised.
