Vocational training center closure leaves 780 İzmir residents' dreams unfulfilled

The Meslek Fabrikası (Vocational Factory) training center in İzmir's Halkapınar district has ceased operations, leaving hundreds of aspiring professionals without training. The Directorate General of Foundations seized the historic building on April 6, forcing the center to close its doors.

This closure has halted vocational training for 780 individuals. Had the center remained open, 140 students would have earned certificates after completing their courses. Additionally, 460 students currently enrolled in 23 active courses would have continued their education, and 180 more were slated to begin in nine new planned courses.

Nine workshops, covering fields from barista skills and gastronomy to IT and accounting, have been forced to stop their activities. The Halkapınar center was considered one of the most well-equipped in the region, and its closure leaves a significant gap in vocational and technical education within the city center. Aspiring entrepreneurs are now struggling to obtain necessary Ministry of National Education-approved certificates, particularly for fields like food and beverage services and beauty care. Those aiming for international careers are also missing out on Europass-certified training.

While the Meslek Fabrikası's administrative offices have relocated to the Cengizhan Kurs Merkezi in Bayraklı, the new location lacks sufficient space. To maintain services, a bus has been converted into a mobile office. The branch directorate is working to ensure the continuation of Meslek Fabrikası's activities despite these challenges.