The school, which offers education in 9 programs across 6 departments, completes its education in 6 semesters. Students graduate after completing 3 semesters of theoretical training and 3 semesters of on-the-job training at businesses in OSTİM. Gazi University OSTİM Technical Sciences Vocational School stands out as the first school in Turkey to implement this system.
Over 180 students at the school celebrated their graduation during the 2017-2018 academic year. The graduation ceremony was attended by the President of the Vocational Qualifications Authority (MYK), Adem Ceylan, the Chairman of the OSTİM Board of Directors, Orhan Aydın, academics, businesspeople from OSTİM, and the students' families.
“We provide jobs for young people through vocational skills”
MYK President Adem Ceylan explained that they have determined national occupational standards aimed at training qualified personnel, especially in production and employment. Stating that 792 occupational standards have been implemented to date, Ceylan said, “Standards that will meet the expectations of working life have made it mandatory for institutions organizing formal and informal education to adapt their curricula to occupational standards.”
Ceylan emphasized that acquiring skills in vocational technical education is a fundamental issue for Turkey, and continued: “Especially in our country, acquiring skills alongside vocational knowledge in formal and non-formal education will contribute to production and employment. The system where all three phases of the training process are practical is what is sought after in vocational technical education. This school is achieving this. I thank the OSTİM management and businessmen for making this possible.”
Adem Ceylan, drawing attention to youth unemployment, pointed out that there are 250,000 open job positions and conveyed the message, "If we provide young people in our country with vocational knowledge and skills, we will have provided them with jobs and brought qualified workers into the workforce."
Students Gained Technical Skills
OSTİM Board Chairman Orhan Aydın reminded everyone that production is very valuable. Highlighting the importance of the people who produce in OSTİM, Aydın stated, “The products produced here compete all over the world. In this geography where we have lived for a thousand years, we cannot maintain our freedom without production.”
Stating that there is no alternative to knowledge for value-added production, Aydın noted: “That’s why we attach great importance to our universities. It is very important for us that Gazi University is here. Our young people are finding jobs in our region; this is very valuable. I thank our professors who educate our students. Our students have now acquired the technical skills to contribute to the country’s economy. I congratulate them.”
Domestic and National Industry for Complete Independence
Associate Professor Dr. Veysel Özdemir, Director of Gazi University OSTİM Technical Sciences Vocational School, explained that with the education they receive, students move from being passive listeners to active participants.
Özdemir pointed out that their school is located in OSTİM, where the heart of the business world beats, with its modern and technological infrastructure. Emphasizing that they were the first to implement the 3+3 education system in Turkey, the experienced academician said, “We provided a contemporary university education by enabling our students to start their careers early, giving them a head start. You can be proud of our children. You will witness their successes together with us.”
Özdemir advised students to keep the concept of lifelong learning in mind, stating, "It is clear how important domestic and national industry is for our complete independence. The understanding that we must contribute to the solution of problems should prevail."
At the ceremony, OSTİM Board Chairman Orhan Aydın was presented with a plaque in recognition of his contributions and support to the school.
Students who graduated with honors were given awards. Following the award ceremony, the students took their graduation oath and celebrated their graduation by throwing their caps into the air.
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