Multiple views on the evaluation of a vocational school program

One of the higher education institutions where vocational education is carried out in Turkey are vocational schools. Studies about evaluation of vocational programs in these institutions are important for increasing the quality of the vocational programs. The purpose of this study is; evaluation of Control and Automation Technology Program via perspectives of instructors, students, graduates and employers. The dimensions to be considered in the evaluation can provide a comprehensive evaluation of the program. The study was conducted with qualitative techniques. In gathering the data; at the first stage interviews with participants were held via semi-structured interview forms. These participants are grouped as instructors, students, graduates and employers. In the second stage, structured internship evaluation forms and intern evaluation forms have been included in the study. In the third stage, documents about cooperations between the vocational program and firms in the sector have been included in the study. In the analysis of the data, content analysis technique was used. Within the results of the study, it was stated that the professional qualifications of the program graduates are sufficient for working in firms. Professional interests, compatible with the work and the workplace for graduates were considered sufficient. It is also the result that students who practice their internship want to be employed in the same firm at a high level. It has been understood that the existing cooperations between the program and the sector firms needs to be increased and that the cooperations is very beneficial for the instructors, students, graduates and firms. Finally, it has been concluded that internships are positive contributions to processes such as increasing the professional skills of students, adaptation to work, and the definition of a profession. According to the results obtained, the program seems to meet a great need. However, some problems that have been experienced negatively affect vocational education has to be solved.