This article explores the role of Vocational Education and Training (VET) centres in reducing Turkey’s high NEET (Not in Employment, Education, or Training) rate among young people aged 15-29. Turkey’s NEET rate, which was 28.7% in 2021, is significantly higher than the OECD average of 14.5% in 2021. Despite the presence of 4,581 VET institutions in the 2019-2020 academic year, there is still a need for expansion and quality improvement to meet the increasing demand for skilled labour. To ensure VET centres contribute effectively to reducing the NEET rate, the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) considers various strategies, such as strengthening collaboration with industry, improving the public image of vocational education, increasing investment in VET centres, fostering connections with employers, and updating curricula.
