VET4JOB II: improving employment prospects of Syrian refugees and host communities in Türkiye

At the end of 2023, Turkey hosts more than 4 million refugees, including over 3.2 million Syrians. Türkiye is the country hosting the largest number of refugees in the world. Most refugees face significant challenges in education and employment. Despite efforts to integrate refugee children into the Turkish education system, numerous obstacles remain, including language barriers, economic difficulties, and cultural differences. 

Additionally, youth unemployment and informal employment continue to be major issues, exacerbating economic and social vulnerabilities. Refugees also face barriers to entering the labour market, such as low employability due to limited education, technical skills, and language proficiency. 

While work permits have been available since 2016, very few refugees are formally employed. Many of them work informally in low-skilled and low-paying jobs, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and hospitality, often under poor working conditions. 

The VET4JOB project aims to provide vocational education and training for young people and adults from refugee and Turkish communities. The programme's goal is to improve sustainable livelihoods and employment prospects for these vulnerable groups by developing their skills through apprenticeship and vocational education, in line with the needs of the Turkish labour market. 

The ultimate objective is to strengthen the socio-economic resilience and integration of refugees in Türkiye. By doing so, the programme will contribute both to promoting social cohesion between refugees and host communities and to combating child labour by fostering skills development through apprenticeship.

This second phase is in line with the first part of the project. It is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of National Education of Türkiye and the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen. 

Within the framework of VET4JOB II, Expertise France adopts a comprehensive and holistic approach that targets all stakeholders and beneficiaries within the training system, ensuring that comprehensive support is offered to young apprentices, adults in training, vocational training centres (VTCs), and partner companies. This approach ensures the success of each beneficiary throughout the training journey, with active support provided to all involved parties.

1. Support for apprentices and adults in Training

The programme offers a complete support package for young apprentices and adults in training to motivate and assist them throughout the four years of their apprenticeship. This package includes food vouchers, extracurricular activities, as well as school supplies and uniforms. 

Additionally, personalized support is provided through career guidance, counseling, and Turkish language courses for adults. Post-training services, such as job search assistance, work permits, Validation of Acquired Experience and entrepreneurship support are also offered to improve professional integration.

2. Support for Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and adult vocational training

To strengthen the capacities of vocational training centres (VTCs), the programme supports the rehabilitation of infrastructure, supplies equipment for training, and focuses on trainer training to ensure high-quality education. 

The programme also provides technical training facilities to simulate real working conditions, ensuring that apprentices are fully prepared for the demands of the labour market.

3. Support for companies

The programme also supports partner companies by providing equipment to improve the working conditions for apprentices and enhance their retention within companies. Apprentices are regularly monitored in their workplaces to ensure successful integration. Moreover, occupational health and safety (OHS) standards are developed and implemented to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.

The VET4JOB Phase II project is expected to enhance individual prospects but also contribute to the broader socio-economic development of Türkiye, fostering resilience and inclusivity within affected communities. By the end of the project, it anticipates:

• Improved employment outcomes: increased numbers of apprentices graduating and integrating into the labour market, contributing to economic stability for both refugees and host communities.
• Enhanced skills development: strengthened vocational skills among participants, ensuring they are better equipped for sustainable employment.
• Promotion of social cohesion: greater integration and collaboration between refugees and host communities through shared learning experiences and cultural activities.
• Reduction in child labour: raised awareness and improved conditions for vulnerable youth, diminishing instances of child labour in targeted areas.
• Infrastructure and institutional strengthening: upgraded vocational training facilities and improved capacities of educational institutions and employers, fostering a conducive environment for learning and skill development.