Vocational schools aim to train the skilled labour required in business sector. In this sense, Ministry of Education and representatives of the business sectors in Turkey have been involved in certain projects especially during the recent years. Moreover, the curriculum of the trainings prepared within the frame of Developing Vocational Training Project were developed with the contribution of the representatives of the sector. As a matter of fact, vocational schools sign protocols with certain firms with the aim of increasing the employment opportunities for their graduates. Furthermore, senior students in vocational schools have the opportunity to put theory into practice by doing internship in firms three times a week. However, the training offered in vocational schools and firms is open to discussion. In fact, it seems quite difficult to provide quality training especially in rapidly changing fields such as Information Technologies (IT).
Apart from the quality of the training in IT, another problem could be the fact that female students have little interest in this area. According to the 2017 edition of the OECD’s Education at a Glance report, 3 of each 4 students who prefer IT are male students. In the same report, the ratio of female students undertaking studies in the field of IT is reported as 19%. It seems that it is not different in Turkey. However, it is vital that female students who study IT get quality education in this field and use technology efficiently.
In this regard, one of the vocational schools which provide training in the field of IT in Ankara has signed a protocol with one of the leading technology firms just before the training. Pursuant to the agreement, the firm did not only provide the school with necessary software and curriculum but also hold workshops at the school. It also gave certificates to successful students. The researcher provided face-to-face training in line with the given curriculum and establish communication between the students and the firm.
The aim of this study is to examine the contribution of technology training to female students given through school-industrypartnership. The study group of this research is composed of female students of Atatürk Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School in Altındağ, Ankara. The study was completed in 10 months between September 2017 and June 2018.
This is a great project with an outreach of female students in thousands. Congratulations!
Thanks a million Lida!
An important project Selcuk from which many female students benefit. You are truly a pioneer and role model. I have one question. The study was completed in June 2018. I would be interested to know more about the follow-up. Are more girls of your school choosing IT profiles now? How is the follow-up is organised? Thanks for your answer.
Thank you for your comment and question Mirjam. We offer 12 different vocational field in our school. After project, the students interest in ICT icreased from %11 to %60. ICT field is the most popular field in our school. Some of the students from target group will choose profession and this will be important data for us. Furthermore, we are following their personal and professional development such as new courses, certificates, competition they participate etc.
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