The final report, compiled as part of the "Sakarya Qualified Workforce Workshop," organized jointly by the Sakarya University Center for Economic and Social Research (SESAM) and the Sakarya Branch of the Independent Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (MÜSİAD), was shared with the public at a press conference held at the MÜSİAD Sakarya Branch.
The meeting was attended by SAU Rector Prof. Dr. Hamza Al, MÜSİAD Sakarya Branch President Ahmet Cihan, SESAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ümmügülsüm Zor, SESAM Deputy Director Dr. Akın Özdemir, and Board Member Halime Çelik Oğuz.
Sakarya's Qualified Workforce Needs Discussed
The press conference detailed the developments in Sakarya's production and manufacturing sectors, as well as assessments for the continuation of industry-university collaboration. The results of the workshop's work in eight thematic areas include a 175-page summary dataset, contributed by 62 interviewees. This dataset revealed the current state of the city's workforce profile and the distance between sectors.
Short, Medium, and Long-Term Action Plans
The final report developed by SESAM outlined the goals of taking rapid steps toward short-term, emergency response areas, implementing master-apprentice programs in medium-sized vocational high schools, and expanding university-industry joint training models. Plans were also made to strengthen the Sakarya Workforce Strategy 2030, the Industry 4.0 Center of Excellence, and the intergenerational mentoring system, which have been in place for a long time.
"We Contribute to the City's Development Together"
Speaking at the meeting, SAU Rector Prof. Dr. Hamza Al stated that they have strengthened the university's research focus and that creating a workforce for the entire Sakarya region is our primary focus. Ahmet Cihan, President of MÜSİAD Sakarya, stated that they will launch new programs to increase youth employment.
SESAM will continue to develop new research, workforce analyses, and policy recommendations based on the workshop findings.
