UNICEF and Rönesans Join Forces to Innovate Youth Vocational Training in Turkey

Transforming Youth Vocational Training in Turkey

In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing vocational education, Rönesans Holding has stepped forward as a leading private sector partner in the UNICEF initiative titled "From Learning to Earning for Youth." This ambitious program is designed to reimagine vocational education across Turkey, equipping young individuals with the essential skills they need to thrive in today's workforce.

CEO İpek Ilicak Kayaalp of Rönesans Holding highlighted the organization's commitment to providing practical education opportunities. With the cooperation of the Ministry of National Education, Rönesans will facilitate hands-on experiences for 120 vocational school students at Gaziantep Municipal Hospital, one of Turkey's foremost healthcare institutions. These students will not only learn in classrooms but will engage directly in real-world scenarios including software development, food and beverage services, maintenance and repairs, plumbing, energy systems, and industrial automation technologies.

Paolo Marchi, UNICEF's representative in Turkey, expressed the program's dual objective: to equip youth with knowledge and skills that align with market demands while also bolstering the existing educational infrastructure. This partnership aims to reform vocational and technical education and training (TVET) standards, ensuring an improved environment for learning and safety in workplaces across the country.

“The partnership aids the Ministry of National Education in delivering quality and inclusive vocational education while leveraging private sector expertise,” Marchi stated.

Elisabetta Falcetti, the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) Managing Director for Turkey and the Caucasus, underscored the initiative's importance in promoting workforce diversity and competitiveness. The project will address the widespread issue of economic inequality by prioritizing equitable access to vocational training.

Rönesans Holding’s endeavors are already giving back to the community by supporting over 14,000 scholarship students and engaging in initiatives that promote sustainable development in higher education. Having partnered with UNICEF since 2023, Rönesans has played a crucial role in delivering quality education and psychosocial support for nearly 13,000 women and children affected by earthquakes in Turkey.

Kayaalp stated, “This initiative isn’t just educational; it’s an innovative model of collaboration between the private sector, international organizations, and public sectors in Turkey that sets a global example.” This collaboration aims to foster a rich environment where students receive extensive training under skilled instructors in a state-of-the-art facility four days a week.

Despite the collective efforts, Turkey still faces challenges as one in four young people aged 15 to 24 are neither employed nor receiving education or training. The "From Learning to Earning for Youth" initiative directly addresses this pressing issue, bridging the skill gap and preparing the youth for the rapidly evolving labor market.

The training programs will ensure students receive mentorship from skilled hospital staff, promoting both workplace equality and diversity. Through this endeavor, Rönesans is dedicated to expanding its educational support for the youth sector, collaborating closely with UNICEF to replicate the success of this program in new sectors and communities.

This partnership signifies a pledge by Rönesans to transform the landscape of youth vocational training in Turkey, opening doors to new opportunities and fostering a future filled with hope and possibilities.