The position and qualification problems of the Turkish workforce in the globalizing maritime sector: A research on Ordu-Samsun region

This master's thesis examines the position of the Turkish workforce and qualification problems in the globalizing maritime industry. The study aims to determine the qualification problems of different stakeholders in the maritime sector in Ordu and Samsun provinces - shipyards, boat manufacturing, maintenance and repair workshops, district port authorities, port enterprises and vocational schools - at the local level and to offer solutions. The main subject of the study is theoretical and practical comparisons regarding education and qualification problems encountered in business life. Within the framework of qualitative and quantitative research methods, it was tried to understand the qualification problems of the Turkish workforce in the maritime sector by using survey and face-to-face interview techniques. The data obtained through these methods aim to contribute to understanding the qualification problems in the sector and developing solution suggestions. The findings show that the maritime sector is of great importance in the globalizing world. The maritime sector has a wide range of services, including commercial cargo and passenger transportation at sea, fishing, and on the land side, shipyards, ports, and educational institutions that provide workforce to the sector. A large part of world trade is carried out by sea transportation and there is a high demand for labor in the sector. This labor demand reflects positively on the country's economies by providing solutions to the unemployment problems of the countries. The presence of an educated and skilled workforce helps prevent negative developments such as accidents in the maritime sector and ensures the smooth functioning of the sector. This study conducted a survey with 123 students studying at Fatsa Vocational School in Ordu.In addition, face-to-face interviews were held with the shipyard manager, port business managers in Ünye in Ordu province, the boat manufacturing and dockyard business owner in Fatsa, district port directorate officials and port business managers in Samsun province. As a result of the interviews, it was emphasized that the qualification problems in the globalizing maritime sector include elements such as the necessity of practical training and professional English knowledge in addition to theoretical education. Additionally, problems experienced in the transition to employment after education were also noted. Keywords: Globalization, Maritime Sector, Qualification, Education, Employment