Adult Education and Labor Market Outcomes in Türkiye, 2007–2022

Year 2025, Volume: 14 Issue: 2, 423 - 457, 07.09.2025

Hande Kul Gelal

Abstract

Adult education has become a critical component of human capital development, with wide-ranging implications for labor market outcomes and overall economic growth. While extensive research has explored the effects of adult education globally, less is known about how these dynamics have evolved in Türkiye. Drawing on Adult Education Surveys (2007-2022) conducted by TURKSTAT, this study maps changing landscape of adult education participation in Türkiye over the 15-year period. It explores participation trends across gender, educational attainment, occupation, labor force and graduation status, while also examining employer support for both formal and informal adult education. Furthermore, the study analyzes how labor market outcomes of adult education- such as employment, promotions, and performance improvements- have evolved over time. Findings show persistent disparities by worker characteristics, despite rising participation, and highlight how employer support, labor market outcomes, and individual incentives interact- emphasizing adult education’s role in both career advancement and workforce development.

Keywords

adult education , formal education , mass education , wage promotion , employment , labor market outcomes

Ethical Statement

This study has been prepared in accordance with the rules of scientific research and publication ethics.

Supporting Institution

This study received no support from any organization or individual.

Türkiye’de Yetişkin Eğitimi ve İşgücü Piyasası Çıktıları, 2007–2022

Abstract

Yetişkin eğitimi, beşerî sermaye gelişiminde kritik bir bileşen haline gelmiş olup, işgücü piyasası çıktıları ve ekonomik büyüme üzerinde geniş kapsamlı etkiler yaratmaktadır. Yetişkin eğitiminin etkileri küresel ölçekte kapsamlı bir şekilde araştırılmış olsa da bu dinamiklerin Türkiye’de nasıl evrildiği hakkında daha az bilgi bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışma Türkiye’de yetişkin eğitimine katılımın 15 yıllık periyottaki değişen durumunu TÜİK tarafından hazırlanan Yetişkin Eğitimi Araştırmalarına (2007-2022) dayanarak ortaya koymaktadır. Çalışma; cinsiyet, istihdam durumu, mezuniyet durumu, eğitim düzeyi ve meslek bazında katılım eğilimlerini incelemenin yani sıra hem örgün hem de yaygın yetişkin eğitimine yönelik işveren desteğini de değerlendirmektedir. Ayrıca, yetişkin eğitiminin işgücü piyasası çıktılarının zaman içinde istihdam, terfi ve performans artışı bakımından nasıl değiştiğini analiz etmektedir. Bulgular, artan katılıma rağmen çalışan özelliklerine göre süregelen eşitsizlikleri ortaya koymakta ve işveren desteği, işgücü piyasası çıktıları ve bireysel teşviklerin etkileşim içinde olduğunu vurgulayarak yetişkin eğitiminin hem bireylerin kariyer gelişimi hem de işgücünün gelişimi açısından önemini öne çıkarmaktadır.

Keywords

yetişkin eğititmi , formal eğitim , yaygın eğitim , ücret artışı , istihdam , iş gücü piyasası çıktıları

Ethical Statement

Bu çalışma bilimsel araştırma ve yayın etiği kurallarına uygun olarak hazırlanmıştır.

Supporting Institution

Bu araştırma herhangi bir kurum ya da kişi tarafından desteklenmemiştir.

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