The program seeks to allow middle school students to make informed career choices, even before they advance to high school.

One of the vocational middle schools, Hacı Sevim Yıldız-2 Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, enrolled 64 students this year, including an impressive 35 females. The interest shown by female students was significantly higher compared to their male counterparts, highlighting the appeal of the vocational path to girls at this early stage.

Ecem Yağmur Aras, a fifth grader at the school, explained her decision to join the program.

“I came to this school of my own will. I want to be a chemist when I grow up, and I want to study in the field of chemical technology.” Her resolve reflects the school’s goal of helping students choose a profession aligned with their passions from a young age.

The pilot project also extends to other regions in Türkiye, including Bursa, Sivas, Konya and Burdur, where vocational high schools opened their doors to middle school students for the first time. These schools are introducing students to craft workshops as part of the “Skill Development Program.” The hands-on approach allows students to participate in classes free of charge, providing a unique opportunity to explore different professions.