New steps concerning the labor force and working life have been set out in the Medium-Term Program covering 2027-2029. In line with the program, new-generation work models are planned to be developed by taking technological developments, the spread of artificial intelligence, sectoral needs and skills mismatches into account.
Comprehensive policies will be implemented to increase secure flexibility in working life and reduce underutilized labor. The aim is to reinvigorate the labor market through growth policies that support employment, are sustainable and are consistent with the framework for combating inflation.
Target of 7.6% unemployment rate
Employment is expected to increase by an average of 711,000 people annually during the program period, alongside a rise in the labor force participation rate. The unemployment rate is projected to gradually decline to 7.6% in 2029.
Graduate education support for strategic fields
Human capital and lifelong learning policies will be strengthened to improve the alignment of labor force skills with labor market needs. Workers' skills will be brought into closer alignment with technological developments, sectoral needs and strategic priorities.
Graduate education will be supported in fields requiring qualified human resources, including the defense industry, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy and mining, and space technologies. The expansion of continuing education, professional development and vocational training opportunities through cooperation among the public sector, universities and the private sector is planned.
Vocational education curriculum to be updated
The connection between vocational and technical education and the labor market will be strengthened. Data and qualification infrastructure will be developed to identify skills needs and increase the supply of qualified human resources in occupations and competencies that are in demand.
Vocational and technical education curricula will be updated in cooperation with the private sector. Private-sector participation in management and financing processes will be increased to expand internship and on-the-job training programs.
The alignment of higher education quotas, particularly at vocational schools, with the medium-term labor force needs of the public and private sectors will be strengthened. A Graduate Tracking System will be established for graduates of vocational and technical secondary and higher education; career support mechanisms will be developed by monitoring graduates' performance in the labor market.
Lifelong learning and qualification system to be strengthened
Participation in lifelong learning will be increased to help individuals remain employed and adapt their skills to current needs. This approach will also cover active aging policies.
The effective implementation of the Turkish Qualifications Framework, the introduction of national regulations on micro-credentials and stronger alignment between the Turkish Qualifications Database and national and international systems are planned. The integration of the National Qualifications System with education and employment policies will also be improved.
The information infrastructure concerning the labor market will be strengthened. The National Occupational Classification System will be completed to establish a common language and interoperability among institutions' occupational data; data-driven analyses and occupational mapping studies to identify skills needs will be expanded.
