Evaluation of vocational training programs organized by İŞKUR: Amasya province example

In Turkey, there is a need for educated labor force as well as individuals who have developed themselves technically. However, vocational and technical knowledge has not been given due importance, thus creating imbalances between labor supply and demand in the labor market. This situation has led to a mismatch between the existing labor force and the demanded labor qualifications and has caused unemployment to reach significant levels. In Turkey, active and passive employment policies are generally applied to prevent unemployment. While passive employment policies are policies aimed at reducing the effects of unemployment, active employment policies are policies aimed at increasing the knowledge and skills of individuals and have a significant contribution to the employability of individuals. In this study, vocational training programs from active employment policies were examined and vocational training programs organized in Amasya province were analyzed. Evaluations were made on the contribution of vocational training programs to employment on a provincial basis. In the literature, there are some studies on the evaluation of vocational training programs organized by İŞKUR. However, these studies are generally within the scope of active labor market or for different provinces. In this study, the extent to which vocational training programs organized by İŞKUR contribute to employment in Amasya province is examined. In this context, the labor market of Amasya province and the vocational training programs organized were examined by years and evaluations were made on the labor market of the province. The job placement rates in the province with the programs organized were examined and the extent to which these rates contribute to employment was discussed. The aim of the study is to contribute to the literature on the identification of problems in the implementation of vocational training programs organized by İŞKUR and possible moves for improvement and to offer solutions. A semi-structured interview was conducted with Mr. Osman Yılmaz, Provincial Director of Amasya İŞKUR on 13.02.2025 in order to strengthen the findings of the thesis and to benefit from the expert opinion on the problematic issues in the thesis. According to the findings of the thesis, it has been observed that the contribution of vocational training activities organized by İŞKUR in Amasya province to employment is not sufficient. It was suggested that both the number of programs organized and the number of participants should be increased; in this context, it was also suggested that activities to inform citizens about these courses should be emphasized.