Determining the Expectation of Kocaeli Industry from Vocational and Technical Education System

Any effective vocational education and training system depends on its congruence with the dynamic forces of the labor market and its respect for the culture it serves. The dynamics of the labor market depends on the needs of industry and commerce and the availability of trained individuals to meet them in their current form and adapt to them in their future form. The province of Kocaeli has become the most rapidly growing industrial regions in Turkey and has always been evaluated as an important region for industrial investments. This paper presents a "Need Assessment" study that determines the technical workforce type and amount endowed with knowledge and experience to keep up with the technological changes for Kocaeli industry in Turkey with qualitative and quantitative methods. This paper also examines the potential professions which are going to be crucial within 15 years. A survey was conducted and focused group meetings were arranged with participation of industry and vocational and technical school representatives. The results of this study will be used at development of vocational and technical education syllabus by Ministry of National Education and will be well-designed tool to develop the cooperation between Ministry of National Education and Kocaeli industry