Human Resources Development Convention, 1975 (No. 142) - Türkiye (Ratification: 1993)

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2024, published 113rd ILC session (2025)

The Committee notes the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİŞK), transmitted by the Government in its 2018 and 2022 reports. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments in this regard.

Article 1 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Committee notes the detailed information provided by the Government in its 2018 and 2022 reports. The Government reports that, in 2016, amendments were made to the Vocational Education Law No. 3308 to introduce Government support for five years with regard to the enterprises’ payments to students, and that the subsequent amendment in 2021, extends this support for another five years. Also, amendments were made to the Secondary Education Institutions Regulation in order to make vocational and technical education more appealing, and the 2022 Directive on the Procedures and Principles on Recognition of Prior Learning was adopted to strengthen the processes for the validation of formal and non-formal learning. The Government further reports on the strategies adopted during the reporting period, notably: (i) the Eleventh Development Plan 2019–23; (ii) the Strategic Plan 2019–23 of the Ministry of National Education (MoNE); and (iii) the Pre-Accession Economic Reform Programme (ERP) 2021–23. In this context, the Committee notes that the Twelfth Development Plan 2024–28, supporting the framework of the 2053 Vision, was published in November 2023, and that the Strategic Plan of the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) 2024–28, determining lifelong learning as one of the main goals of the National Education System, was also developed. With regard to employment of young persons, the Government refers to National Youth Employment Strategy (NYES) and Action Plan 2021–23, aiming to: (i) reduce the youth unemployment rate from 25.23 per cent in 2022 to 17.8 per cent in 2023; (ii) increase the youth labour force participation rate from 39.1 per cent in 2020 to 46 per cent in 2023; and (iii) decrease the share of youth not in employment, education or training (NEETs) from 28.3 per cent in 2020 to 20 per cent in 2023; the implementation of the Strategy is monitored by the NYES Monitoring and Evaluation Board, including representatives of workers’ and employers’ organisations. The Government highlights the implementation of the project Development of Vocational Skills, and specifies that during the first phase of the project, from 2013 to 2016, 14,133 trainees acquired vocational certificates through 1,209 courses delivered in 35 provinces, while in the second phase, initiated in 2017 and expanded to 81 provinces, a total of 6,890 persons, of whom 4,956 women, applied for 422 courses during the reporting period. It also indicates that the project More and Better Jobs for Women: Women’s Empowerment through Decent Work in Turkey, implemented by the ILO and the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) from 2013 to 2018, included gender equality and women employment training for 450 İŞKUR staff, and trained 400 women in entrepreneurship. Lastly, the Government provides the detailed statistics, covering the 1 June 2013 to 31 May 2018 period, concerning: (i) vocational training programmes, provided by the Turkish Public Employment Agency (İŞKUR), where the total number of man and women trained from 2013 to 2018 is 620,501, of whom women account for 63.6 per cent; the total number of men and women trained in 2017 is 117,580, while in 2018 it stands at 54,663; (ii) on-the-job training programmes, where the total number of man and women trained 2013 to 2018 is 914,937, of whom women account for approximately 52.3 per cent; the total number of men and women trained in 2017 is 297,255, while in 2018 it stands at 127,363; and (iii) entrepreneurship training programs, where the total number of man and women trained from 2013 to 2018 is 466,266 of whom women account approximately 49 per cent; the total number of men and women trained in 2017 is 94,016, while in 2018 it stands at 216,124. The Committee welcomes the information received and asks the Government to continue providing updated information on the formulation and implementation of vocational education and training policies and programmes closely linked with employment needs, including programmes aimed at specific groups, such as young persons, women and persons with disabilities. It further requests the Government to indicate the reasons for the significant decreases in the number of beneficiaries of vocational and on-the-job training programmes, as well as the reasons for the significant increases in the number of beneficiaries of entrepreneurship training programmes over the years, notably in 2018 over 2017. Lastly, the Committee invites the Government to provide disaggregated statistical data on the number of vocational guidance and training graduates accessing employment following the completion of the training programmes.

Article 5. Cooperation with the social partners. Noting that the Government has not provided the specific information requested, the Committee once again requests the Government to communicate information on the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes at the national and local levels.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Article 1 of the Convention. Formulation and implementation of education and training policies and programmes. The Committee takes note of the information on the systems of educational and vocational guidance, as well as of vocational training, submitted by the Government in reply to its observation in 2009. It also notes the information concerning the number of persons engaged in vocational training, the vocational training and rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities and other categories, and on-the-job and entrepreneurship training programmes. Data submitted by the Government show that, since 2010, there has been a higher proportion of women than men enrolled in vocational training. The Government states that the Action Plan for Strengthening the Link between Employment and Vocational Training (IMEIGEP) entered into effect in July 2010. The objectives of this Plan are to: propose vocational and technical training courses commensurate with opportunities on the labour market; strengthen the relationship between education and employment; implement active labour market policies; and upgrade constantly the employability of the labour force by gradually eliminating situations in which people leave training without qualifications. The Committee takes note of the information concerning the project to strengthen the national system of vocational certification and establish aptitude criteria in Turkey. It notes that centres for the certification of skills and competences have been set up in 11 priority sectors, with a view to introducing an efficient and sustainable national certification system; the role of these centres is to validate and certify the competences acquired by the candidates and help them in developing their skills. The Committee invites the Government to continue communicating information on how effective coordination has been ensured between employment policy objectives and the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training, taking account of the factors referred to under Article 1(2)–(4) of the Convention. The Committee also invites the Government to provide copies of reports, studies, surveys or statistical data which would enable an examination of the results obtained by the policies, programmes and measures adopted to give effect to the Convention.

Article 5. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee invites the Government to submit updated information on the cooperation of employers’ and workers’ organizations and other interested bodies in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes at the national and local levels.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It must therefore repeat its 2009 comment, which read as follows:

Repetition

Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2008 as well as the comprehensive contributions made by the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ) and the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİŞK). The Committee notes the information, including detailed statistics, provided by the Government in reply to the 2004 observation concerning the activities of training centres, the training of apprentices, and the rehabilitation programmes for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the implementation of measures promoting human resources development is under way. In this connection, it refers to the establishment of a Vocational Qualifications Authority (MYK) by Law No. 5544 of 21 September 2006, which provides for activities relating to the supervision and certification of occupational standards. The new Authority will build up a national system of vocational qualifications in line with the European Union standards in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Higher Education Council, representatives of the social partners and of other professional organizations. The Committee notes that the Ministry of Education has undertaken studies conducted under the project for strengthening the vocational education and training system in Turkey (MEGEP) supported by the European Commission. As a result of these studies, modular education programmes have been introduced in all vocational and technical secondary schools and institutions since the education year 2006–07 and vocational education and training information centres have been established. The TÜRK-İŞ expresses its concern over the low level of general education and training of the labour force in Turkey, emphasizing that the development of the education and training system is a primary means of eliminating regional differences and preventing poverty and social exclusion. The Committee also notes the TİŞK’s indication that a draft action plan for vocational and technical education for the 2008–12 period has been prepared by the Ministry of Education which is to be implemented in cooperation with all the parties concerned. The Committee asks the Government to provide in its next report information on the systems of general, technical and vocational education, educational and vocational guidance and vocational training. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on how effective coordination has been ensured between employment policy objectives and the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training taking account of the factors mentioned in Article 1(2)–(4), of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing copies of reports, studies and surveys, statistical data, etc., on policies and programmes intended to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with special needs, such as women, young persons, low-skilled people, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, and also for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises in the informal economy, in the rural sector and in self-employment (Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195)).

Article 5. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes that the social partners contribute to the definition of vocational qualifications in accordance with labour market needs within the Vocational Qualifications Authority. The Committee further notes that, under the 2008 Employment Package the provincial employment boards operating under the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), which are responsible for defining employment policies and conducting labour market research at the local level, have been restructured to include competences in the area of vocational education and training policies. The Committee invites the Government to continue reporting on the measures adopted to ensure the collaboration of employers and workers and other interested bodies, in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes at the national and local levels so as to fully take into account their experiences and views.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

Formulation and implementation of education and training policies. The Committee notes the Government’s report received in November 2008 as well as the comprehensive contributions made by the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-İŞ) and the Turkish Confederation of Employer Associations (TİŞK). The Committee notes the information, including detailed statistics, provided by the Government in reply to the 2004 observation concerning the activities of training centres, the training of apprentices, and the rehabilitation programmes for persons with disabilities. The Government indicates that the implementation of measures promoting human resources development is under way. In this connection, it refers to the establishment of a Vocational Qualifications Authority (MYK) by Law No 5544 of 21 September 2006, which provides for activities relating to the supervision and certification of occupational standards. The new Authority will build up a national system of vocational qualifications in line with the European Union standards in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Higher Education Council, representatives of the social partners and of other professional organizations. The Committee notes that the Ministry of Education has undertaken studies conducted under the project for strengthening the vocational education and training system in Turkey (MEGEP) supported by the European Commission. As a result of these studies, modular education programmes have been introduced in all vocational and technical secondary schools and institutions since the education year 2006–07 and vocational education and training information centres have been established. The TÜRK-İŞ expresses its concern over the low level of general education and training of the labour force in Turkey, emphasizing that the development of the education and training system is a primary means of eliminating regional differences and preventing poverty and social exclusion. The Committee also notes the TİŞK’s indication that a draft action plan for vocational and technical education for the 2008–12 period has been prepared by the Ministry of Education which is to be implemented in cooperation with all the parties concerned. The Committee asks the Government to provide in its next report information on the systems of general, technical and vocational education, educational and vocational guidance and vocational training. The Committee would appreciate receiving information on how effective coordination has been ensured between employment policy objectives and the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and training taking account of the factors mentioned in Article 1(2)–(4), of the Convention. The Committee asks the Government to continue providing copies of reports, studies and surveys, statistical data, etc., on policies and programmes intended to promote access to education, training and lifelong learning for persons with special needs, such as women, young persons, low-skilled people, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, and also for workers in small and medium-sized enterprises in the informal economy, in the rural sector and in self-employment (Paragraph 5(h) of the Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195)).

Article 5. Cooperation with the social partners. The Committee notes that the social partners contribute to the definition of vocational qualifications in accordance with labour market needs within the Vocational Qualifications Authority. The Committee further notes that, under the 2008 Employment Package the provincial employment boards operating under the Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR), which are responsible for defining employment policies and conducting labour market research at the local level, have been restructured to include competences in the area of vocational education and training policies. The Committee invites the Government to continue reporting on the measures adopted to ensure the collaboration of employers and workers and other interested bodies, in the formulation and implementation of vocational guidance and vocational training policies and programmes at the national and local levels so as to fully take into account their experiences and views.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

1. The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report received in 2003, including comments by the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK) and the Turkish Confederation of Public Workers’ Associations (TÜRKIYE KAMU-SEN). The Committee notes in particular the detailed information on educational as well as vocational guidance at central, regional and school levels in Turkey. With reference to its previous comment the Committee notes with interest that the number of apprentices who have completed training has increased with 46 per cent over the period 2000-03, while the number of occupations for which training is offered as well as the number of training centres have remained at the same levels over the same period. The Committee also notes, however, the views expressed by TÜRKIYE KAMU-SEN that the system of professional guidance is not sufficient for a large number of children and young people. The Committee would like to continue to receive information on the activities of the training centres and the training of apprentices. It would also be grateful if the Government would continue to provide detailed information on the manner in which the vocational guidance and training system is being extended to cover the continuing vocational needs of young people. In this respect, the Government may find it useful to refer to the provisions of the new Human Resources Development Recommendation, 2004 (No. 195).

2. Article 5 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information provided on the institutions set up by the General Directorate of the Turkish Employment Agency (IŞKUR) to provide vocational guidance, as well as the comments by TISK regarding the role of the private sector in the implementation of these policies. It asks the Government to communicate further information on the manner in which employers as well as workers’ organizations are encouraged to participate in the formulation and implementation of the policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training offered by these and other relevant institutions.

3. Lastly, the Committee notes the information provided by TISK concerning a joint project between the Turkish Construction Installation Workers Training Foundation (INIŞEV) and the EDEXCEL foundation to develop training standards for the construction industry as well as the creation of a training centre by the employers’ organization, INTES, and the workers’ association, YOL-IŞ. The Committee would like to be kept informed of such cooperative efforts to develop human resources.

4. As regards questions related to vocational development of persons with disabilities, the Committee refers to its comments on the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159).

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, received in September 2001, which included comments by the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-IŞ) and the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK).

Article 1 of the Convention. The Committee notes the information supplied in reply to previous comments, and the examples provided in its report on the application of the Employment Service Convention, 1948 (No. 88).

Article 1, paragraph 5. The Committee notes with interest that the number of occupations for which training is offered has increased from 89 in 1999-2000 to 109 in 2000-01. There has also been a steady growth in the number of training centres. However, the number of apprentices dropped by 25 per cent between 1999 and 2001. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on efforts made to encourage people in need of training to take advantage of these expanding services. It also notes the comments of DISK concerning the lack of training programmes to accommodate people with disabilities. In addition, it notes the ratification of the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Disabled Persons) Convention, 1983 (No. 159), and hopes that the Government’s first report for this Convention will contain full information on its application, including information on the number of training participants with disabilities.

Article 3, paragraph 1. The Committee notes DISK’s allegation that vocational guidance is provided to only a limited number of children and young people. The Committee requests further information on progress made in gradually extending the system of vocational guidance to all children, young persons and adults, including people with disabilities.

Article 3, paragraph 3, in conjunction with Article 5. In reply to comments made by TÜRK-IŞ in 1998, the Government states that workers receive training on labour law, including collective agreements, which is provided through apprenticeship training centres. Furthermore, if TÜRK-IŞ is unsatisfied with the content of the curriculum, it is able to participate in provincial committees established to coordinate local vocational training activities.

For its part, TÜRK-IŞ repeats its previous comments and adds that workers’ organizations are not actively involved in formulation of policies and programmes of vocational training and the curricula of training institutions. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the manner in which workers’ organizations are encouraged to participate in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes of vocational guidance and vocational training, particularly in the light of the newly established Turkish Labour Institute and the restructuring of the employment services, which provide a substantial amount of training.

Lastly, the Committee notes with interest the information supplied by TISK concerning a joint project between the Education Foundation of Metal Industrialists’ Union (MESS) and the Turkish Metalworkers’ Union, to ensure that workers are provided with the opportunity to develop their skills and to increase productivity. The group collective agreements contain provisions pertaining to how the unions are to use leave for trade union meetings and educational leave. A similar educational foundation has been established by the Turkish Building and Installation Contractors’ Union. The Committee would appreciate being kept informed of such cooperative efforts to develop human resources.

Observation (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government’s report, received in September 2001, which included comments supplied by the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-IS) and the Turkish Confederation of Employers’ Associations (TISK) in Turkish. The Committee will examine the Government’s report and comments of organizations during its upcoming session.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1999, published 88th ILC session (2000)

The Committee notes the information contained in the Government's report and supplement, as well as the information supplied by the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TÜRK-IS) and the Turkish Confederation of Employers' Associations (TISK).

Article 1 of the Convention. In reply to the previous direct request, the Government states that coordination of training and apprenticeship programmes is done through a National Labour Council, established under section 4 of the Apprenticeship and Vocational Training Act (No. 3308 of 1986). It would appreciate continuing to receive information on the coordination of the National Labour Council's work with that of the Turkish Employment Agency (IIBK).

Article 3. In response to the previous direct request concerning the rights and obligations of workers covered by collective agreements and legislation, the Government states that such information is included in the training curriculum. TÜRK-IS has reiterated that training on the content of collective agreements and labour legislation is not provided. The Committee requests more specific details on how information on general aspects of collective agreements and the rights and obligations of all concerned under labour law are provided, in accordance with national law and practice and taking into account the respective functions and tasks of the workers' and employers' organizations concerned.

Article 5. The Government states that workers' and employers' organizations participate in the administration and supervision of the training and apprenticeship programmes as they are represented on the National Labour Council. TÜRK-IS again states that workers' organizations are not actively involved in the formulation of policies and programmes for vocational training and the curricula of such institutions. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on how often the National Labour Council meets, the decision-making process, and what measures have been taken to ensure that the views of the workers' and employers' representatives are taken into account.

Part VI of the report form. The Committee requests statistical information on the training and apprenticeship programme, or, if not available, further information on any measures taken or envisaged to evaluate its impact.

[The Government is asked to report in detail in 2001.]

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

The Committee notes with interest the Government's first report on application of the Convention, as well as the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers' Association (TISK) and the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TURK-IS). In order to appreciate better the effect given to the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its second report further information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes the cooperation protocol on vocational advisory services between the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Please describe other existing procedures for coordination between the various ministries responsible for vocational guidance and training in order to ensure effective coordination of policies and programmes on human resources development.

Articles 2 and 4. The Committee notes the description of the various vocational and technical education institutions and the apprenticeship training centres operating under the auspices of the Ministry of National Education. Please also describe the arrangements made to develop further training for adults. Please indicate how it is ensured that initial and further vocational training conducted within and outside the school system are complementary.

Article 3, paragraph 3. The Committee notes that, according to TURK-IS, the information provided for in this provision is not handled within the framework of vocational and technical training. Please indicate the measures taken to ensure that the information available for vocational training is supplemented by information on the general aspects of collective agreements and the rights and obligations of all parties concerned according to labour legislation.

Article 5. The Committee notes the indications on the national and local labour councils in the formulation of vocational training. TISK indicates, furthermore, that the Committee on Apprenticeship and Vocational Training, on which employers' and workers' confederations are represented, is responsible for determining vocational training policies and programmes. The Committee notes, however, that according to TURK-IS the collaboration of employers' and workers' organizations required by this provision of the Convention is not ensured. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information on the consultative machinery established and its role in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for human resource development.

Part VI of the report form. Please supply extracts from reports, studies, surveys or statistical data allowing assessment of the application of the provisions of the Convention in practice.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes with interest the Government's first report on application of the Convention, as well as the observations of the Turkish Confederation of Employers' Association (TISK) and the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (TURK-IS). In order to appreciate better the effect given to the Convention, the Committee would be grateful if the Government would supply in its second report further information on the following points.

Article 1, paragraph 1, of the Convention. The Committee notes the cooperation protocol on vocational advisory services between the Ministry of National Education and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Please describe other existing procedures for coordination between the various ministries responsible for vocational guidance and training in order to ensure effective coordination of policies and programmes on human resources development.

Articles 2 and 4. The Committee notes the description of the various vocational and technical education institutions and the apprenticeship training centres operating under the auspices of the Ministry of National Education. Please also describe the arrangements made to develop further training for adults. Please indicate how it is ensured that initial and further vocational training conducted within and outside the school system are complementary.

Article 3, paragraph 3. The Committee notes that, according to TURK-IS, the information provided for in this provision is not handled within the framework of vocational and technical training. Please indicate the measures taken to ensure that the information available for vocational training is supplemented by information on the general aspects of collective agreements and the rights and obligations of all parties concerned according to labour legislation.

Article 5. The Committee notes the indications on the national and local labour councils in the formulation of vocational training. TISK indicates, furthermore, that the Committee on Apprenticeship and Vocational Training, on which employers' and workers' confederations are represented, is responsible for determining vocational training policies and programmes. The Committee notes, however, that according to TURK-IS the collaboration of employers' and workers' organizations required by this provision of the Convention is not ensured. The Committee requests the Government to supply detailed information on the consultative machinery established and its role in the formulation and implementation of policies and programmes for human resource development.

Part VI of the report form. Please supply extracts from reports, studies, surveys or statistical data allowing assessment of the application of the provisions of the Convention in practice.