Evaluation of the Turkish National Qualifications System Specific to the Construction Sector

Year 2025, Volume: 38 Issue: 2, 648 - 663, 01.06.2025

Coşkun Çakmak , Fatih Karaçor , Murat Sueri , Mürsel Erdal

https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1518032

Abstract

This article aims to present the views and opinions of skilled workers, such as form workers, ironworkers, plasterers, etc., who work in the construction sector in Türkiye, regarding the National Qualifications System (NQS) and the Vocational Qualification Certificate (VQC) that emerged as a natural consequence of this system. In order to accurately express these views and opinions, authorized certification bodies (ACBs) that organize the certification process for more than half of the certified workers in the construction sector within the borders of Türkiye were reached. The sample of the study consisted of candidates who have not yet been certified but have applied to ACBs to initiate the certification process. In addition to questions requesting demographic information, 13 questions were asked on a 5-point Likert scale to measure the candidates' perspectives on NQS and VQC. Because of the study, it was concluded that both the promotion activities of the system and the number of inspections to be carried out by the ministry in the field should be increased and the national qualifications should have more detailed sub-breakdowns.

Keywords

Türkiye construction sector, National qualification system, Vocational qualification certificate

References

• [1] Ceylan, M., Cansiz, S., Altan, M.F., “The process and importance of establishing a quality management system in accordance with standards in personnel certification organizations: An examination with an example from the construction sector”, Izmir Democracy University Social Science Review, 4(2):101–129, (2021).
• [2] Başağa, H.B., Temel, B.A., Atasoy, M., Yıldırım, İ., “A study on the effectiveness of occupational health and safety trainings of construction workers in Türkiye”, Safety Science, 110 (Part A), 344–354, (2018). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2018.09.002
• [3] Muñoz-La Rivera, F., Mora-Serrano, J., Valero, I., Oñate, E., “Methodological-technological framework for construction 4.0”, Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 28(2): 689–711, (2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11831-020-09455-9
• [4] Arslan, K., “The role and importance of promotional efforts in ensuring the sustainability of personnel certification centers established in Turkiye within the framework of the professional qualification system”, ISGUC The Journal of Industrial Relations and Human Resources, 16(2): 40–63, (2014). DOI: https://doi.org/10.4026/1303-2860.2014.0247.x
• [5] Allais, S.M., “The impact and implementation of national qualifications frameworks: A comparison of 16 countries”, Journal of Education and Work, 24(3-4): 233-258, (2011). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13639080.2011.584685
• [6] Lester, S., “The European Qualifications Framework: a technical critique, Research in Post-Compulsory Education”, 20(2): 159–172, (2015). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/13596748.2015.1030251
• [7] Europian Union. “Find and Compare Qualifications Frameworks” | Europass. https://europass.europa.eu/en/compare-qualifications. Access Date: July 15, 2024.
• [8] Moreira, S., Felgueiras, H. P., Marques, A. D., “Circular Economy Practices in Fashion Design Education: The First Phase of a Case Study”, Sustainability, 17(3): 951, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su17030951
• [9] European Commission. Directorate-General for Employment, “Social Affairs and Inclusion”, Comparative analysis of the Australian Qualifications Framework and the European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning: joint technical report, (2016).
• [10] Laczik, A., Emms, K., Dabbous, D., Quyoum, A., “Master Craftsperson Qualifications across four European countries: Austria, Germany, Slovenia and Sweden”, Edge Foundation Report, London, 1-55, (2024).
• [11] Mernagh, E., “The Irish National Framework of Qualifications : A Blueprint for Change”, Journal of Contemporary Educational Studies, 62(4): 140–153, (2011).
• [12] Ministry of National Education, Council of Higher Education, Vocational Qualification Authority, “Referencing of the Turkish qualifications framework to the european qualifications framework for lifelong learning and self-certification to the framework of qualifications of the european higher education area”, (2016).
• [13] CEDEFOP, “The dynamics of qualifications: defining and renewing occupational and educational standards”, (2009).
• [14] Vocational Qualification Authority. “Definition and content of the national occupational standard”. https://www.myk.gov.tr/page/19. Access Date: March 27, 2023.
• [15] CEDEFOP, “National qualifications framework developments in Europen countries: analysis and overview 2015-2016”, (2018).
• [16] Vocational Qualification Authority. “Definition and content of the national qualification”. https://www.myk.gov.tr/page/32. Access Date: March 27, 2023
• [17] Akçay Zileli, Y., “Evaluation of criteria used in the authorization of certification bodies using multi-criteria decision-making methods”, Master's Thesis, Gazi University, Institute of Science, Ankara, (2013).
• [18] Üstün, S., Çetin A., Uzun R.O., Çorumlu V., “Examination of vocational qualifications and level 5 (associate degree) national occupational standards and qualifications in Türkiye”,. In: 5th International Vocational Schools Symposium–Prizren, 2: 1122–1131, (2016).
• [19] Bayram, F., “The relationship between occupational competence in elevated work platforms and work accidents”, Master's Thesis, Gedik University, Institute of Social Sciences, İstanbul, (2016).
• [20] Canbey Özgüler, V., “Youth in the labor markets and the vocational qualification system”, Productivity Journal, 2: 115–132, (2018).
• [21] Yaşar, A., “Examining the effects of the Vocational Qualification Authority's education and examination system on the rights and responsibilities of construction site workers”, Master's Thesis, Süleyman Demirel University, Institute of Science, Isparta, (2019).
• [22] Özcan, O., “Examination of the national vocational qualification system from the perspective of the construction sector”, Master's Thesis, Beykent University, Institute of Science, İstanbul, (2019).
• [23] Çinar Güreş, A., “A qualitative research on vocational qualification and certification system in Türkiye: current situation, issues, and proposed solutions”, Master's Thesis, Bartın University, Institute of Science, Bartın, (2019).
• [24] Coşkun, Y., “Cost analysis of consumables used in performance exams and implementation for efficient use in the construction sector”, Specialist Thesis, Vocational Qualification Authority, Ankara, (2020).
• [25] Çakmak, C., Kopraman, Y., Özdemir, A., Anıl, Ö., Gökdemir, A., “Experimental investigation of hysteretic behaviour of non-structural dry gypsum infill walls”, Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers: Structures and Buildings, 175(10): 765-780, (2022). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1680/jstbu.19.00229
• [26] Vocational Qualification Authority, “Regulation on the Turkish Qualifications Framework” (Regulation No: 2015/1), (2016).