President Künkcü: ‘We should guide our children towards professions at an early age’

President of Aydın Chamber of Craftsmen and Artisans (AYESOB), Muhammet Ali Künkcü, emphasizing vocational training, stated ‘We should guide our children towards professions at an early age. The masters of the future should be raised.’ President Muhammet Ali Künkcü of Aydın Chamber of Craftsmen and Artisans (AYESOB) attended the ‘Season Greetings’ party organized by Kuşadası Chamber of Craftsmen and Artisans. Speaking at the event and addressing families, Künkcü emphasized that craftsmanship is one of the cornerstones of society, stating, ‘Today, many of our youth are directed towards two-year university programs. However, they struggle to find jobs after graduation. Whereas, craft professions contribute significantly to both the national economy and individuals. Traditional crafts are on the verge of disappearance. By revitalizing these professions, we can preserve our cultural heritage and provide job opportunities for our youth.’
Künkcü highlighted the importance of encouraging families to guide their children towards becoming craftsmen, saying ‘Being a craftsman is like having a golden bracelet. None of your children who become craftsmen will ever go hungry. Finding a job for every child who becomes a craftsman is out of the question. When they become masters of their craft, rest assured they will either open a shop or work in a good place, earning their living. The craft of being a craftsman is a profession needed in all segments of society. Therefore, guiding our children towards these professions at an early age means securing their future.’ Künkcü pointed out that craftsmanship education provides job security, stating ‘Many young people go to university hoping to find a job, but end up unemployed after graduation. However, learning a craft provides job security for our youth. They can become their own bosses, develop their talents, and open their own businesses. This leads to both economic independence and self-confidence.’
Advocating for a reevaluation of the education system, Künkcü said ‘We should shape our education system according to the talents and interests of our youth. Art and craft education should appeal to not only a specific group but all young people. The number of vocational and technical education institutions should be increased, and their quality should be enhanced.’ Lastly, emphasizing the need for the masters of the future to be nurtured, Künkcü stated ‘The steps we take today will raise the masters of tomorrow. Therefore, we should guide our youth towards craftsmanship. The path to being a culturally and economically strong society lies in nurturing skilled craftsmen. We all have significant responsibilities for the future of our children in this regard.’