YÖK President Özvar: We will transform internship practices into workplace-based vocational training

Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education, spoke at the "Road Map of Turkish Higher Education Towards 2030 at YÖK" launch meeting held at the YÖK Presidency. Özvar, who began his speech by reading the joint statement of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), the Interuniversity Council, and higher education institutions regarding Israel's attack on the Sumud Flotilla, said, "Israel's policy of massacre targeting the Palestinian people in Gaza, the majority of whom are women, the sick, and the elderly, for nearly two years has deeply wounded the conscience of all people. Hundreds of activists from 46 countries have mobilized to support the people of Gaza and break the Israeli blockade of the region against this brutal massacre, which recognizes no legal, moral, or conscientious boundaries. The International Freedom Flotilla, named after the word 'Sumud,' meaning determination, is a civil and peaceful solidarity coalition that represents the collective conscience of humanity. Unfortunately, Israel, the representative of savagery, barbarity, terror, oppression, and genocide, attacked the Sumud Flotilla, which pursues entirely peaceful objectives, and hundreds of activists, including our Turkish citizens, were detained. Any intervention against the Sumud Flotilla and humanitarian aid efforts to Gaza is a clear violation of international law." "As YÖK, the Interuniversity Board, and higher education institutions, we condemn Israel's intervention and call on the international higher education community to take a stand against Israel," he said.

Özvar stated that one of the most important agenda items in the coming period will be the expansion of the applied training model in the workplace, saying, "Transforming internships, which have become a formality and serve no purpose, into workplace-based vocational training is among our top priorities. This model, which will allow our students to gain experience not only in the classroom but also directly in the workplace, will turn them into more equipped, productive, and employment-oriented individuals. Currently, internships represent a process that does not exceed 20-30 days and is not considered attractive by either students or companies. Therefore, transforming and changing this is a fundamental duty upon all of us. This will be one of the issues I will focus on most during this period. Rest assured. In this context, we are launching pilot programs in seven provinces: Konya, Gaziantep, Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli, Izmir, and Ankara. We are about to complete an inventory study that will provide detailed data on the student capacity of our universities in these provinces, the production and employment potential of businesses, and the internship and applied training opportunities of sectors. Specifically, we will ensure our students' access to qualified practice areas through sector-based classifications." "A significant infrastructure is about to be commissioned. I want you to know that we are not implementing this major transformation alone, but through a strong partnership model. We are supporting this project as key stakeholders in the process, with the active participation of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security, the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, the Presidency, the Presidency of Strategy and Budget, the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey, the chambers of industry and commerce in each of our provinces, and other relevant civil society organizations," he said.

'Türkiye-SYRIA FRIENDSHIP UNIVERSITY WILL BE OPENED SOON'

Özvar, who stated that the Turkey-Syria Friendship University will soon open in Damascus, said, "Other well-established universities in our country will be able to open programs under this university. I hereby call on the rectors of these universities to begin preparations. This year, with its educational program in Çinkent, Kazakhstan, Gazi University will serve not only Kazakhstan but also other candidates and students from the Turkic world in the region."

'THEY WILL BE ABLE TO START THEIR ACADEMIC STUDIES EARLY'

Özvar emphasized that they are working to ensure that students who are successful in higher education graduate from university more quickly. He said, "One of the structural and lasting efforts we will focus on in the coming period will be the revision of the 240 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) required for four-year graduation. This ECTS system should be revisited to provide more opportunities and space for practical training alongside theoretical courses in four-year undergraduate programs. In many European countries, students can graduate with 180 ECTS. We will hopefully achieve this transformation together, taking all undergraduate programs into account, working carefully, and without neglecting the current structure. This must be one of the most fundamental duties of all of us. Similarly, I would like to emphasize that this initiative will be implemented not only in undergraduate programs but also in associate degrees. With early graduation, our students will have the opportunity to begin their academic studies earlier. A student who graduates in three years will be able to participate in academic and scientific studies early if they want to pursue a master's degree. This will pave the way for this."

UAV

Reporter: News Center