The Awareness Raising Meeting entitled “My Apprentice Students on the Path to Mastery” was held in Gaziantep on 12 October 2026 under the Vocational Education and Training Programme for Employment (VET4JOB-II), funded by the European Union and implemented in cooperation with the Ministry of National Education’s Directorate General for Vocational and Technical Education and the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), under the leadership of Expertise France and in partnership with EDUSER.
Bringing together representatives of businesses that currently host apprentice students or have the potential to train them, the meeting addressed the importance of enabling young people to develop their vocational skills in safe, education-oriented environments, protecting children’s rights and preventing the risks of child labour. Discussions also focused on business responsibilities, reducing sector-specific risks and strengthening occupational health and safety practices.
The opening speeches were delivered by Mehmet Güller, Director of the Vocational Training Centre of the Gaziantep Union of Chambers of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (GESOB), and Alper Tanrıöver, Deputy Director of Gaziantep Provincial Directorate of National Education. Their remarks highlighted the role of Gaziantep’s long-standing tradition of craftsmanship, strong production capacity and vocational training culture in preparing young people for their professional futures. Emphasising the role of master trainers in the professional development of young people, Mehmet Güller stated, “A master trainer passes on not only the work itself to the young person they train, but also the culture of the profession.” Alper Tanrıöver, in turn, underlined the importance of safe and high-quality vocational training environments, stating, “We believe that the education, safety, development and future of our apprentice students must always remain our top priority.”
Following the screening of the VET4JOB-II introductory film, Gülcan Eriş, an expert in the field, delivered an informative presentation on awareness and responsibilities in apprenticeship training, the distinction between apprenticeship training and child labour, the responsibilities of businesses, and occupational health and safety.
During the interactive session, participants had the opportunity to assess practices in their own businesses and reflect on potential risks. Through real-life examples and case studies, discussions focused on ways to reduce sector-specific risks and strengthen practices that support the safety of apprentice students.
The “My Apprentice Students on the Path to Mastery” Awareness Meeting concluded with participants sharing their feedback and recommendations. Throughout the meeting, the importance of a sustainable approach to vocational education that places apprentice students’ right to education and safety at its centre, contributes to preventing child labour, and strengthens businesses’ capacity to train qualified master craftspeople was reaffirmed.
