Vocational high schools transformed into factories in Ağrı reached a turnover of 38 million

Vocational high schools in Ağrı are transforming into factories with production activities, providing both education and vocational training opportunities for students while also helping them earn their own pocket money. In this way, students learn to stand on their own feet without being a burden to their families.

Students from Ağrı Turkey Chambers and Stock Exchanges Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School and Nurettin Dolgun Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School learn to produce products such as furniture, metal technology, food and beverage services, liquid soap, surface cleaner, bleach, disinfectant, cologne, glass cleaner, dishwashing detergent, industrial dishwashing detergent, industrial dishwasher polish, and grease solvent starting from their first year at school. In addition to theoretical knowledge, students become equipped individuals through practical training throughout their education, contributing to the economy by producing goods at school throughout the year. As a result, vocational high schools operating in this direction generated a turnover of approximately 38 million TL in Ağrı in the 2023-2024 academic year.

Highlighting that vocational high schools prepare students for life more quickly with theoretical and practical training, student Berat Ergül said, ‘I came to this school willingly because vocational school is a very nice and comprehensive place. I came to this school to gain experience, start working faster in life, and provide financial support to my family. I chose the furniture department. I really liked decoration and design. It’s nice to work here. In the 9th grade, they teach the basic knowledge first. In the following years, we start to get to work. We reach mastery by the 12th grade. I have learned a lot of things that I thought I would experience here. I learned many design programs. I didn’t know how to use a computer until 2 years ago, but I learned it here.’

Ağrı Provincial Director of National Education Hasan Kökrek, who stated that vocational high school students are more advantageous compared to other students, said, ‘With the instructions of the Ministry of National Education and the support of Ağrı Governorship, we achieved a production turnover of approximately 38 million in our vocational high schools affiliated with the Provincial Directorate of National Education in the 2023-2024 academic year. While producing here, our productions, especially in the field of chemistry, sanitary installation, and furniture department, play an important role, I thank all the teachers and students who contributed here. We have patents such as trademarks and utility models for many of our products. Especially, we supply a large part of the products we use in our schools from our vocational high schools here. Our main aim here is that our students gain more confidence by producing in workshops and will contribute more to the business sector when they step into the business sector tomorrow. I thank all the students and teachers who contributed to this production once again. I wish them success.’

Kökrek emphasized that vocational high school students receiving the title of ‘technician’ upon graduation is a sought-after criterion in the job market, and continued his words as follows:

‘Actually, our vocational high school graduates are somewhat more advantageous in terms of entering the business life compared to other students. Our students, by actively participating in the production process at their schools and workshops, ensure that they can easily find jobs and gain self-confidence when they step into business life after graduation. In addition, our vocational high school students graduate with the title of a technician, which is actually one of the qualifications and criteria sought by the business sector. I request our parents to enroll their students in vocational high schools because, as I said, students will be able to easily find jobs and earn money for their own economies when they step into life.’