The Turkish Employment Agency (İŞKUR) is preparing to launch an AI-powered virtual job and career consultant for public use next year as part of its digital transformation efforts. With the new system, job seekers and employers will be able to perform many tasks via artificial intelligence 24/7. Adem Akdemir, Head of İŞKUR’s IT Department, commented on the agency’s artificial intelligence and digitalization projects.
‘Just say apply’ will be enough
Akdemir stated that the AI-supported virtual consultant will serve citizens just like the job and career counselors working at the agency.
Akdemir said that citizens can direct all their questions regarding active labor force programs, unemployment insurance, unemployment benefits, job postings and application processes to the virtual consultant, and gave the following information: ‘For a citizen who wants to apply for unemployment insurance or unemployment benefits, just saying “Can you apply for me?” will be enough.’
Our citizens will be able to perform their transactions via the AI assistant without clicking any buttons or searching any pages.
Will provide 24/7 service
Akdemir stated that with the new system, citizens will be able to access services at any time without visiting the agency, and that AI will also simplify the job search process.
The virtual consultant will be able to list suitable job postings based on users’ voice or text commands and, if requested, complete the application process.
Will offer service in different languages
The AI-powered system will provide services not only in Turkish but also in other languages.
Akdemir noted that citizens will be able to receive support from the virtual consultant not only in Turkish but also in English, Arabic and other foreign languages. Not only job seekers but also employers will benefit from the new system.
Data will not leave the institution
Emphasizing that İŞKUR developed its AI infrastructure entirely in-house, Akdemir said data security is one of the top priorities.
Akdemir noted that servers with the world’s most advanced AI chips were brought into the agency, and stated that all applications will operate on a closed-loop system. ‘We will guarantee that data and information never leave the institution. Thus, we will ensure both data privacy and data security at the highest level,’ he said.
AI and big data unit established
Akdemir also announced that a Big Data and Artificial Intelligence Applications Branch Office was established within the agency as part of its digitalization efforts.
Akdemir stated that an AI-Powered Decision Support System was launched in collaboration with TÜBİTAK, and that the İŞKUR Financial Automation System, developed with the support of the Ministry of Treasury and Finance, targets annual savings of approximately 1 billion lira.
Meanwhile, İŞKUR reported that 1.6 million citizens have attended its virtual employment fairs since 2019, and that the agency has served 67 million people since its founding.
