The Education Ministry says 37 trainees have died and nearly 10,000 experienced workplace accidents in Turkey’s state vocational Mesem programme over the past two years. The scheme—created in 2016—combines one day of school with four to five days of company work for 14–18 year‑olds and currently enrolls about 480,000 pupils. Independent studies and researchers have flagged weak oversight, poor working conditions and the risk that the school–business partnership can enable child labour and fatal incidents. The ministry reports more than 250,000 company inspections by end‑2024, with about 10% of contracts terminated for violations.
Dozens Dead, Nearly 10,000 Injured in Turkey’s State Vocational 'Mesem' Programme, Ministry Says
ILLUSTRATION - The Turkish flag flies in the wind against a blue sky. (is associated with: «Dozens have died in Turkish vocational training, ministry says») Anna Ross/dpa
Turkey's Education Ministry has reported that at least 37 young trainees have died and nearly 10,000 suffered workplace accidents while participating in the state-backed Mesem vocational training programme over the past two years. The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question from opposition lawmaker Ömer Faruk Gergerlioglu and were circulated by domestic media.
How the Mesem Programme Works
Established by law in 2016, Mesem combines classroom learning with on‑the‑job training for 14‑ to 18‑year‑olds. Under the scheme, trainees spend one day per week at school and four to five days working at a company. The state pays a training wage of at least 30% of the minimum wage (around $200 per month, according to the ministry), rising to 50% in the final year of training. The Education Ministry says about 480,000 pupils are currently enrolled.
Safety Concerns and Research Findings
Critics and independent studies have highlighted systemic problems. A May study by the ERG education reform initiative found that many young people join Mesem for financial reasons or because they feel disengaged from conventional schooling, and it flagged issues including poor working conditions, weak oversight and a poor balance between work duties and education.
Researcher Servet Gün has argued more forcefully that the partnership between schools and businesses has created conditions that can amount to child labour and increase the risk of fatal workplace accidents.
Government Response and Inspections
Education Minister Yusuf Tekin has defended the cooperation between schools and private firms, saying he does not understand the opposition's criticism and pledging to continue the programme. The ministry says it inspects companies on their training practices, equipment, training environment, instructor qualifications and health and safety standards. By the end of 2024, officials had inspected more than 250,000 companies and terminated contracts with roughly one in ten for violations.
Outlook
The statistics and studies underscore a tension between expanding workplace learning opportunities for young people and protecting trainees from hazardous conditions. Policymakers, educators and employers face pressure to tighten oversight, improve safety training and ensure that the educational goals of the programme are not overshadowed by workplace demands.
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