The Ministry of National Education has been carrying out projects in an effort to disseminate vocational education centers and contribute to the increase in employment rates.

An amendment made in December 2021 in the Vocational Education Law No. 3308, increased the popularity of vocational education centers.

The number of students enrolled in these centers which was 159 thousand before the amendment increased by 100 percent and reached 321 thousand.

According to the amendment, students enrolled in these centers are paid monthly 1275 liras in the first three years of their education and this salary increased to 2125 in the fourth year of their education. They are also insured against occupational illness and accidents. 88 percent of the graduates of vocational education centers are already employed.

Highest number of students is in İstanbul  

The number of students enrolled in vocational education centers in İstanbul reached 27 thousand and 271. Ankara ranked second in the list of cities having the highest number of students in vocational education centers. 15 thousand 690 students are enrolled in these centers in Ankara and 14 thousand and 741 students recently enrolled in the centers in Gaziantep.

Beauty and Hair Care is the most popular department

65 thousand and 891 students preferred to enroll in beauty and hair care departments of vocational education centers while motor vehicle technology department ranked second among most popular departments. 31 thousand and 651 students enrolled in electric-electronic technology departments while 30 thousand and 422 students preferred food and beverage services education.

The goal is 1 million students  

"Amendment in the Vocational Education Law marked the beginning of a new era for vocational education centers. It is a historical step which will increase employment rates," said Minister Mahmut Özer.

Noting that the Ministry has been promoting the opportunities offered in the vocational education centers, Özer stated that their goal is to enroll 1 million students until the end of 2022.