GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL TRAINING OF THE YOUTH IN TURKEY

This article analyses the system of vocational education in Turkey. The main function of vocational high schools in Turkey is the training for the local industry. Vocational high schools also prepare skilled workers for trade and services. Over the past two decades, vocational training in Turkey experienced dramatic change. They were caused by the economic crisis that gripped the economy of the country and by the problems in secondary vocational education. Besides the global changes in the world that affect Turkey in a way it has to change the education system, the country has to solve a number of issues of their own and adapt vocational training to the requirements of modern world. The key word is flexibility, modularity and good employment opportunities. The most important change is the introduction of amendments to the vocational education law and some structural changes into the system of vocational education. Now under the mandatory four-year education students must undergo one year's practical training at the manufacturing. Students who have completed vocational lyceums will receive the rank of "technicians" and the students who continue their education in the same direction the engineering departments, will receive the rank of "engineer". General and vocational secondary education in Turkey has an extensive system of schools. This diversity has its roots in the system of Anatolian colleges and schools system according to professional fields. Vocational education belongs to the system of general secondary education. Vocational schools are preparing young people of Turkey for various industries and businesses, and continuation of further education. There are about 225 professional branches in vocational schools in general. Average vocational education includes at least 19 different types of schools, in addition to the centers of professional education, open education and special private schools. The Ministry of National Education is responsible for overseeing all vocational schools that fall under its jurisdiction. The rapid development of technology in production causes growing need for skilled labor. Therefore, Turkey seeks to improve the quality of training in vocational schools. The plan to improve vocational schools is currently ranked first in the agenda of the government of the country; as such changes are the key to future economic development of Turkey. The main goal is creation of the vocational education system, which would be developed in the framework of international standards and criteria.