Recent Miracle in the Turkish Vocational Education and Training System

This commentary examines the transformation of vocational education in T & uuml;rkiye, addressing its challenges, innovations, and impacts. T & uuml;rkiyes' system, including the Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School (MTAL) and the Vocational Training Center (MESEM), has historically faced difficulties due to policies like the "coefficient application," which restricted access to higher education for vocational graduates. Recent reforms, such as a revamped management model, industry collaboration, enhanced production processes, and integration of research and development (R&D) and intellectual property (IP) culture, have increased enrollment rates, improved education quality, and enabled rapid production of essential goods during crises. These changes have also advanced vocational training in the defense industry, attracting top-performing students. Consequently, these reforms have addressed vocational education challenges and contributed to societal improvements, including reduced youth unemployment and increased womens' employment, positioning T & uuml;rkiye as a model for vocational education globally.