A ceremony was conducted in Erzurum to sign the cooperation protocol, which encompasses theoretical and practical training to prepare qualified individuals for the labor market. The "Qualified Workforce Training Program Cooperation Protocol" was signed between the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) on September 23, 2024, and the ceremony was held in Erzurum. Public and private sector representatives were in attendance.

The signing ceremony was attended by the following individuals: Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mehmet Sekmen, Erzurum Technical University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Naim Ürkmez, Provincial Director of National Education Recep Yakup Yıldız, Erzurum Chamber of Commerce President Saim Özakalın, İŞKUR Director Abdulkadir Mutlu, 2nd OSB Director Fırat Karakaya, and General Secretary of the Commodity Exchange Ensar Korucuk.


Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu: "This Bridge Between Education and the Business World Will Accelerate Our Development"

At the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, expressed his pride in the university's ability to train a qualified workforce and increase employment in the region. Prof. Dr. Hacımüftüoğlu stated, "At Atatürk University, we are committed to the development of science and academia, as well as the training of individuals who are well-suited to the demands of the labor market." These collaborations between the business sector and education are critical steps that will expedite regional development.

Hacımüftüoğlu declared that the university will persist in its obligation to prepare competent individuals for the business world through this protocol. He further stated, "We are of the opinion that this synergy in Erzurum will have a lasting impact on the regional economy and social welfare." We, as a university, will enhance the professional competencies of our students and enhance the employability of our graduates by offering a variety of courses and educational programs.

Governor Mustafa Çiftçi says, "Our state is responsible for the expense."

On the other hand, Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi underscored the significance of the program for the labor market and employers. He stated that the program not only addresses the personnel requirements of employers but also provides significant opportunities for participants. Çiftçi: "The Erzurum Chamber of Commerce and Industry will receive the demands of our employers, which will then be forwarded to the provincial working group." Participants will receive the minimum wage during the training period, and İŞKUR will cover the costs of general health insurance, work accident and occupational disease premiums. Our state will continue to provide support to the labor market by bearing the associated expenses during this process.

Presently, there are 27 enterprises in Erzurum that require approximately 500 individuals within the program's scope. The objective is to promptly assess the demands and commence the training.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE – November 25, 2024