Gazi University's Vocational School of Technical Sciences, located in the OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone, held its 2016-2017 graduation ceremony. Nearly 300 students who successfully completed the school's nine programs – a model in Turkey known for its close integration with industry and practical application – received their diplomas.
The school, which offers a 6-semester program with enhanced work experience in businesses in OSTİM and stands out for its post-graduation employment opportunities, has departments in Electrical Energy Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Electronic Technology, Industrial Product Design, Industrial Mold Making, Welding Technology, Chemical Technology, Polymer Technology, Machinery and Mechatronics.
The graduation ceremony, held at the METEM facilities, was attended by Orhan Aydın, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone; Ahmet Kurt, President of the OSTİM Industrialists and Businessmen Association; Behzat Zeydan and Mithat Ertuğ, Members of the Board of Directors of OSTİM OSB; Adem Arıcı, Regional Manager of OSTİM OSB; Hamza Akca, External Relations Coordinator of OSTİM OSB; Dr. Asım Genç and İbrahim Cihan Yetişken, Deputy Directors of Gazi University TUSAŞ Kazan Technical Sciences Vocational School; as well as families and faculty members.
“You should always have a new job skill in your repertoire”
School Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Veysel Özdemir noted that Gazi University Technical Sciences Vocational School has a larger administrative and academic staff than many universities. Özdemir stated, “In addition to conducting all kinds of professional applications in workshops and laboratories, you have also gained various work experiences in an environment like OSTİM, where all kinds of industries are located. Alongside your diplomas, you also have valuable reference letters from your workplace trainings. Know this difference and use it well. To be ahead, you must make yourself known; therefore, you must constantly improve your work with different and new business ideas. You should always have a new job skill in your repertoire.”
Özdemir stated that NGOs voluntarily take part in solving social problems, and that this allows individuals to showcase their talents, develop an interest in social issues, and seek help from other members of society for their individual problems. He added: “We would like to thank the OSTİM management and the MEKSA Foundation, who have supported our school's education from the beginning, as well as the clusters, all industrial organizations, and associations that have embraced our students in workplace training and employment and have signed protocols with us on this matter.”
“OSTİM is a talent and technology pool”
Orhan Aydın, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone, pointed out that the school is very meaningful and valuable for industrialists. Emphasizing that they attach great importance to OSTİM Organized Industrial Zone and other industrial zones, Aydın said, “There are small and medium-sized enterprises here. Perhaps we are not very aware of it! We always have our minds on large businesses, large factories. We have these in all our dreams, but as someone who has spent 30 years in the industry in this region, the lesson I have learned is this: Small and medium-sized enterprises are institutions that should absolutely not be underestimated, abandoned, and that we should be aware of.”
“Universities are indispensable for companies”
Stating that the region is a pool of talent, technology, and trained human resources, Orhan Aydın touched upon successful projects in the defense industry and other sectors from OSTİM. Aydın continued: “We are talking about a center where people who produce solutions to many of our country's problems are located. Absolutely do not underestimate or belittle this place. I firmly believe that these are the places and locations that will solve the country's problems in the future. This is a region with talented, knowledgeable people who are focused on their work 24/7. For our companies to move further forward, to produce solutions to our country's problems, and to contribute to its development, our universities, vocational schools, and institutions that produce knowledge and technology are indispensable. Because these companies also need this. We need to be able to produce high value-added products; products, machines, and equipment with a high price per kilogram. And the way to achieve this is through universities, our professors, and the education we receive here.”
Earning money through work and production is a form of worship. I absolutely emphasize this. Earning through production and hard work is different from all other ways of earning. Therefore, I want to underline that the work you do in your life from now on is very important, guided by these feelings and thoughts.”
Following the speeches, students who achieved top grades in their respective departments were presented with various awards. At the end of the ceremony, the new graduates threw their caps into the air together.
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