Türkiye
The European Training Foundation (ETF) cooperates with and complements the work of the European Commission and the European External Action Service, including responding to requests from the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, contributing to the EU-Türkiye bilateral policy dialogue.
The ETF is actively supporting the implementation of actions in the Osnabrück Declaration in the region, in close cooperation with its sister agency Cedefop. The Osnabrück Declaration sets out policy actions for the 2021–25 period, in support of the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience. The national implementation plan for Türkiye describes how the country plans to address EU priorities and achieve its national objectives in VET.
The ETF also gives input to EU policy monitoring mechanisms on VET, employment and social inclusion including an annual assessment of Türkiye’s Economic Reform Programme, and wider human capital developments reported in the Torino Process. It supports sector policy dialogue and donor coordination.
The ETF supports Turkish institutions and stakeholders in the rolling out of Türkiye’s Education Vision 2023 for the technical VET (TVET) and lifelong learning sectors, employment, work-based learning quality assurance framework including the cost-benefit analysis of apprenticeships, the Turkish Qualifications Framework and the validation of non-formal learning, and skills for the future in certain sectors.
The ETF provides expertise and collaborates closely with public/private institutions in human resources development in the country, including an interinstitutional high-level public-private steering group, operationally strategic national coordination structures and technical working groups.
Read our 2025 update on Key policy developments in education, training and employment (ETF, 2025). For a quick overview, see below:
2025 developments at a glance
🏛️ Political and economic context: Türkiye remains an EU candidate country and continues policy dialogue with the EU despite ongoing political and institutional tensions. In 2025, political developments, including the detention of Ekrem İmamoğlu and continuing debates around democratic governance, attracted significant attention. At the same time, Türkiye maintained a strong regional role while continuing to face high inflation, currency volatility and economic uncertainty. Economic growth remained positive, supported by a large and diverse economy.
📈 Demographic and social trends: With a population of more than 85 million people, Türkiye remains one of the youngest countries in Europe and its neighbourhood. At the same time, demographic pressures, regional inequalities and the continued presence of large refugee populations create additional demands on education, training and employment systems. While population growth remains modest, youth continue to represent a significant share of potential labour market entrants.
🎓 Education reform and quality improvement: Türkiye continues implementing reforms under the Twelfth Development Plan (2024–2028) and the new Century of Türkiye Education Model, introduced from 2024 onwards. Reforms aim to modernise curricula, strengthen key competences, improve assessment systems and increase the role of digital and AI-supported learning. Teacher training, inclusion and lifelong learning remain important priorities.
🏫 Vocational education and training (VET): Türkiye continues expanding and modernising vocational education through stronger cooperation with employers, curriculum renewal and increased work-based learning opportunities. Vocational and Technical Anatolian High Schools, Vocational Training Centres and Centres of Vocational Excellence remain central elements of reform. New policy frameworks, including the Vocational and Technical Education Policy Document (2024) and commitments under the Herning Declaration (2025), reinforce efforts to improve quality, attractiveness and labour market relevance.
✅ Qualifications and lifelong learning: The Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF) continues to serve as the national reference framework for qualifications and skills recognition. Efforts are underway to strengthen validation of non-formal and informal learning, recognition of prior learning and the integration of micro-credentials, helping support lifelong learning and labour mobility.
🛠️ Work-based learning (WBL): Work-based learning remains a strategic priority. Apprenticeships, internships and employer-supported vocational training continue expanding through partnerships between education institutions, employers and public bodies. Programmes such as İŞMEP and other employer-led initiatives aim to strengthen practical learning and improve school-to-work transitions.
💼 Labour market developments: Labour market indicators improved further in 2024. Employment increased to 49.5%, unemployment declined to 8.7%, and youth employment exceeded the EU average. Nevertheless, labour force participation remains comparatively low, particularly for women, and vulnerable employment continues to affect almost one quarter of workers. Skills mismatches remain a major challenge despite ongoing reforms.
👦 👧 Youth in focus: Young people continue to face challenges in the transition from education to employment. Although youth unemployment has declined to 16.3%, the NEET rate remains high at 25.9%. National youth policies, vocational training programmes and employment services continue to focus on improving employability, entrepreneurship and labour market inclusion.
💻 Digital skills development: Türkiye continued strengthening digital transformation through initiatives such as the Artificial Intelligence in Education Policy Document and Action Plan (2025–2029), digital learning platforms, AI integration in education, and the expansion of digital skills programmes. However, significant digital skills gaps remain, particularly among adults and disadvantaged groups.
🌿 Green skills development: Green transition priorities are increasingly integrated into education and training. Through initiatives such as Eco-Schools, climate education programmes, sustainable development strategies and green vocational pathways, Türkiye is promoting skills for renewable energy, environmental technologies, sustainability and the circular economy.
Priorities for 2026
👉 Strengthen implementation of the Turkish Qualifications Framework, including recognition of prior learning, quality assurance and the integration of micro-credentials.
👉 Expand and improve work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities through stronger employer engagement and closer alignment with labour market needs.
👉 Increase participation in lifelong learning and adult education, with particular attention to women, disadvantaged groups and workers in need of reskilling and upskilling.
👉 Accelerate digital transformation in education and training, including implementation of AI-related policies, teacher development and digital skills programmes.
👉 Strengthen green skills development and support the integration of sustainability competencies across vocational education, higher education and lifelong learning.