Vocational Education and Training as “A Friend in Need” During Coronavirus Pandemic in Turkey

Abstract

The importance of vocational education and training (VET) becomes more visible during coronavirus pandemic in Turkey. With increased capacity in production VET has become one of main supplier of society needs in these days. In this study, developments in production via VET within the scope of coronavirus measures are briefly reviewed. Additionally, improvement areas and steps that need to be taken for strengthening VET are discussed. In pandemic days, cleaning materials, medical masks, and disposable materials are main products, which are experiencing difficulties in procuring. With the support of Ministry of National Education, 10 million masks are producing in VET high schools monthly. Cleaning material needs of all schools around Turkey can meet with the productions of VET high schools. Face protection shields, disposable materials, and face masks with N95 standard are produced via R&D studies in VET and they are shared with healthcare professionals. This study shows that VET in Turkey can respond to needs of society quickly in pandemic days with developments in VET in recent two years after the announcement of 2023 Educational Vision. A strengthened VET system with mentioned points in the study can play a major role in meeting the society needs in crisis period.